QDhicago
Hammmul
CX.ASS
No. rp $~\ -jj A cy
BOOK
GIFT OF
Chicago Theological Seminary
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
THE BEV. WILLIAM JAY
WITH
REMINISCENCES OF SOME DISTINGUISHED CONTEMPORARIES,
FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE, AND
LITERARY REMAINS.
EDITED -BY
GEORGE REDFOED, D.D., LL.D.,
AND
JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
NEW YOEK:
ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS,
No. 285 BEOADWAY.
1855.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by
ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of
New York
STEBEOTYPED BY PBINT.ED BY
THOMAS B. SMITH E. O. JENKINS
216 William St. N. Y. 114 Nassau St.
648288
CONTENTS TO VOL. II.
PAET m. CONTINUED.
REMINISCENCES OF DISTINGUISHED CONTEMPORARIES.
VI.
PAGE
Rev. Richard Cecil, M.A 1
VH.
Rev. Samuel Pearce, A.M f
VIII.
Rev. Robert Hall, A.M. 13
IX.
Rev. Joseph Hughes, A.M. ..... . 24
X.
Rev. John Poster . 34
XI.
Lady Maxwell, and Rev. John "Wesley 60
XII.
Mr. Holmes . 65
,29142
IV
CONTENTS.
XIII.
Mr. Welsh
I' AGE
64
XIV.
Mr. Robert Spear
. 75
XV.
Miss Protheroe
. 82
XVI.
Mrs. Smith .........
. 86
XVII.
Mr. John Poynder
. 91
XVIII.
Rammohiin Roy
. 94
XIX.
Rev. Thomas Tuppen
. 102
Mr. Yescombe
XXI.
XXII.
Rev. Benjamin Davis, D.D.
xxir
Rev. Thomas Haweis, M.D. .
. 109
Dr. Cogan lliJ
. 120
. 125
CONTENTS.
PABT IV.
SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE
REV. W. JAY.
PAOIi
Mr. Jay to Miss Davies 135
Rev. Cornelius Winter to Mr. Jay 136
Mr. Jay to Mr. Withers 138
Mrs. Jay 140
the same 141
Mr. Newall, on the Death of Two Children . . 143
his daughter Statira . 144
the same 146
the same 153
his son at Wymondley College 155
the same 157
the same 159
Sir J. B. Williams, on the Sudden Death of John Lee,
Esq 161
Miss Harman 163
his son Edward 165
Eammohun Eoy 167
his son Edward . . 168
Miss Harman 170
Lord Barham to Mr. Jay 171
Mr. Jay to Lord Barham 172
Lady Barham to Mr. Jay 178
Mr. Jay to the Queen, with a copy of the Morning and Evening
Exercises, presented by Lady Barham 179
Mr. Jay to Miss Head 180
the same 182
Miss Harman 185
Rev. T. Grinfleld to Mr. Jay, on his Jubilee . . . .186
Mr Jay to Miss Harman 188
the same . 190
Miss Head 191
Mr. Rice Hopkins . 194
the same 195
VI CONTENTS.
PAGE
Mr. Jay to Lady Ducie 196
the same , 198
the same ......... 200
Lord Ducie .202
Lady Ducie . . 204
the same 205
the same , 208
the same 209
Dr. Bowie, his Physician 212
PART Y.
LITERARY REMAINS.
Lines on the Death of his daughter Statira : : ..7
Lines written on seeing his Portrait by Mr. Etty, designed for Mr.
and Mrs. Bolton, at Liverpool , 220
Lines supposed to be spoken by Mrs. Bolton, on the receipt of her
Mother's Likeness, sent her by Mr. Ashton .... 221
To Miss Browne, on her presenting the Author with a pair of
Glasses 223
To Miss Browne, on her presenting Mr. Jay with several Bands
made out of her Grandfather's Archiepiscopal Sleeves . . 225
Lines, with the present of a Bible, written and presented to his
very dear daughter, Mrs. Eobert Bolton, the morning of her
Marriage 226
To Mrs. Gill, on her desiring from him a Letter of his own Writ-
ing, to be kept for his sake 227
Lines on his Fifty-fifth Birth-day 228
Lines written on visiting his Native Village . . . 229
Anecdote Conversion and subsequent History of Mrs. Ulph . 233
The Evangelical Alliance addressed to Mr. Charles Godwin . 240
Dr. John Owen . . . ; 241
Apostolical Succession 242
"Wordsworth 242
Moral and Evangelical Preaching . . . . , . 243
In-dwelling Sin . . 243
CONTENTS. vii
PAOK
The Relative Misery of Sin . . . . , . . 244
Orion's "Life of Doddridge" . 244
Common Sense 244
Faith 244
Fishing for Compliments 244
The Sin against the Holy Ghost 245
Types and Shadows 24:~>
The Great Intercessor 24 5
On Lord Byron 245
Sermon I. " He shall choose our inheritance for us" . . - 246
Sermon II. Christ as a Leader, an Interpreter, and a never-failing
Friend 265
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
HY THE EPITOHS.
Mr. Jay as a Preache? ...,.., 285
an Author , 313
PART III CONTINUED.
PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER,
IN
A SERIES OF REMINISCENCES
BY
WILLIAM JAY.
" Olothert in sanctity nnd grace,
How Bwcet it is to ECO
Those who love thee as they pass,
Or when they wait on thee." COWPER.
" Mark the perfect man." DATID.
REV. RICHARD CECIL, "M.A.
ME. CECIL was a very popular preacher when I
went to London, though I always thought his popu-
larity was not equal to his desert. I greedily seized
every opportunity in my power of hearing him, and
never without impression. The impression was not
so much of the pathetic as of the serious and solemn.
He did not excel so much in the soft and tender, as in
the striking and powerful.
He was perfectly free from all affectation of oratory ;
but everything about him in the pulpit, his figure, his
looks, his hand sometimes laid across his loins from
pain, his firm and decisive enunciation all was dig-
nified and impressive, and never failed of commanding
attention. Conscious of the divinity of his mission,
*/ '
and the importance of his message, he always seemed
to feel what he once expressed, when with a powerful
voice he said, " I must be heard"
For the sake of excitement and effect, especially
upon the mass of his hearers, he was sometimes, after
the manner of the Nonconformists, with whose works
his education made him familiar, quaint in his sen-
tences, and soi^ietimes also in the plan and division
of his sermons. Indeed, his excellency lay not so
much in the clear and orderly arrangement of his sub-
1
2 PEACTICAL ILLUSTKATIOJSTS OF CHARACTER.
ject, as in the fillings up and exemplifications. There
was also nothing very consecutive in his discourses ;
no one train of thought being pursued at length, or
fully argued out ; and this, I remember, Mr. Wilber-
force rather complained of, saying, one day, after he
had been attending him, that he seemed too much to
follow after things by starts, and sometimes failing to
overtake them". This was rather severe, especially for
him ; and I could not but think that the senator had
been hearing rather than the Christian ; and that for
once, if possible, the talent and the eloquence to which
he had been accustomed made him forget what is most
profitable to a common congregation.
The eloquence of the senate, the bar, and the schools
will never be the effective eloquence of the pulpit.
All eloquence there which does not arise from feeling,
and produce it, is sounding brass and tinkling cymbal ;
and any profound argumentation, or long-continued
illustration, will fail in keeping up the attention, or in
securing the remembrance, in ordinary hearers. " The
words of the wise are as goads and as nails." "What
preponderates must be weighty ; what 'pierces must be
pointed ; what is carried away must be portable ; and
all cannot equally carry.
Mr. Cecil had always a number of striking remarks,
reflections, and sentiments, which would be remem-
bered from their own impressiveness, independently
of a more lucid or connecting arrangement. He seem-
ed much at home in treating historical passages ; in
representations of common life ; in brief sketches of
character ; and in hitting ofi; with a stroke, a particu-
lar feature, so distinctly and strongly, that there was
no mistaking the individual to whom it belonged.
EEV. EICHAED CECIL, M.A. 3
He had few anecdotes, but these always told, and
were brief and pertinent, and always offered their as-
sistance, instead of being introduced for their own
sakes. But he abounded peculiarly with Scripture
facts, which, without a formal quotation, he aptly in-
terwove in the texture of his discourse, with singular
propriety and telling effect. If a figure would go
with him a mile, he did not compel it to go twain.
He never evaporated the spirit of a metaphor, in nu-
merous subtle particles of allusion. He seldom used
an entire comparison ; but rather, as he passed along,
by a glance snatched from it a significant circumstance
which helped his subject without drawing off attention
to itself. Instead of glossing a passage of Scripture as
he repeated it, or explaining it after he had repeated it,
he admirably threw out the meaning and force of the
words previously, and then announced them as a
beautiful and powerful illustration, confirmation, and
clinching of the argument he was treating.
Among many other excellences in his preaching he
was always brief. I never heard him surpass forty
minutes. This 'is an excellency which did not. distin-
guish our forefathers ; and it is not, I fear, very likely
to be a characteristic of the moderns, especially our
3 r ounger preachers, who show in their long harangues
the confidence they have in their own ability and ac-
ceptance.
The late Dr. Bogue is reported to have one day said
to some of his students, " Do you suppose that people
have nothing to do but to listen to your emptiness by
the hour ?" a rebuke too pettishly given, and too se-
vere. But there is propriety in Lament's remark,
" There is no excuse for a long sermon : if it be good,
4 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
it need not be long, and if it be bad, it ought not to be
long." Queen Anne, after hearing Dr. South, said,
" You have given us an excellent sermon, Dr. South :
I wish you had had time to make it longer." " Nay,
please your majesty," said he, "I wish I had had time to
make it shorter." Whitfield and "Wesley, and most of"
the early Methodists, were short. Why do not many
of their successors follow their example ?
No man distinguished more in his mind, and in his
preaching, between the essential parts of Christianity
and the subordinate and circumstantial, than Mr. Cecil.
With Avhat a crushing force has he been heard to re-
peat the language of Jeremiah, " He that hath a dream
let him tell a dream ; and he that hath my word let
him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to
the Avheat ?" With him " neither circumcision avail
ed anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."
I believe the following incident has been published ;
but I was in London when it occurred, and knew it
before it spread. A female, who had more of the form
of godliness than of the power, one day said to him,
" Sir, have you heard that I am going to turn from
the Dissenters to the Church ?" " Madam," he replied,
" you are turning from nothing to nothing."
Hearing a person censuring a churchman for going
to hear the Gospel in a meeting (the only place in the
village wnere it then could be heard), he exclaimed,
" Did ye never read what David did when he was an
hungered, and they that were with him ; how he en-
tered into the house of God, and did eat the shew-
bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither
for them that were with him, but only for the priests ?"
He had his own fixed views and convictions (and
REV. EICHAED CECIL, M.A. 5
without these candor is only indifference), but he was
moderate enough to think it no sin to attend occasion-
ally in Argyle Chapel ; and one day calling upon me,
he asked where he could take two sittings for his
daughters? adding, "You know I am an Episcopalian,
and wish my children to go to church, that is, if the
one thing needful be heard there. But they must
take heed what they hear, as well as how they hear.
If the story be not told in a cathedral, they must fol-
low it into a barn ; for they must hear it, and hear it
with care." And what practical proof can we give of
our belief either of the truth, or the importance of
evangelical principles, if it be nothing to us whether
we hear the words which cause us to err, or those by
which we may be saved ?
With this man of God I had some acquaintance in
London, but he frequently came to Bath for some
weeks together for recreation or health, and then I
had much intercourse with him. His conversation
was equal to his preaching. It was singularly orig-
inal, vigorous, pertinent, instructive, and edifying ;
and none of it could easily be forgotten. In the pleas-
ure of the companion you felt also the presence of an
oracle.
I remember his admonishing me against having too
great a plenitude of matter in a sermon an admoni-
tion which, I fear, I have not sufficiently followed.
He also advised me, as I was acceptable, and found
people much disposed to hear, to beware of checking
it by disappointment in frequently putting up others
to preach. But how is this in many cases to be avoid-
ed? Can a minister slight his brethren when they
come in his way ? " But they may decline his invita-
6 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
tion ;" and tliis would "be often wise even for them-
selves ; for when people hear under a baulked expect-
ation, they seldom hear with pleasure or profit.
"Be," said he, "never to be had" Many other hints
I received from his rich mind and acute and judicious
observation, by which I ought to have profited more.
I thank Grod that I ever heard the preacher, or was in
company with the man.
Who can be ignorant of his " Remains" ? Is there
a work of the same size that abounds with such riches
of understanding and wisdom, and genius and truth ?
By what a multitude of inimitable passages has Mr.
Poynder enriched his three volumes of " Literary Ex-
tracts !" How much of his excellency has his daugh-
ter secured and made known in her Memoirs of Mrs.
Hawkes !
REV. SAMUEL PEARCE, A.M.
I HAD not a great deal of intimacy with Mr. Pearce,
but I knew him and heard him sufficiently to appre-
ciate him, and to make me thankful that I had not to
depend on report for his character or preaching. It
may seem saying much, but I speak the words of truth
and soberness, when I have endeavored to form an
image of our Lord as a preacher, Pearce has offcener
presented himself to my mind than any other I have
been acquainted with : not, however, as he began his
ministry.- Then he was too rapid, and had a kind of
tiptoe motion in the pulpit ; but after awhile, when his
delivery was distinguished by mildness and tender-
ness, and a peculiar unction derived not only from his
matter but his mind. I cannot accurately convey the
appearance and impression he made, yet I can see the
one, and feel the other, even at this great distance of
time.
If, after days of drought, in a summer's evening,
you have viewed from your window the rain from
heaven, not falling in a pouring torrent, but in a kind
of noiseless distillation, every drop soaking in, and
sure to be useful, and you thinking of "the smell of a
field which the Lord hath blessed" that emblem would
aid you a little in conceiving of the mode and effect
8 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
of his address. He was a man of a most affectionate
disposition and candid temper, having much of the
meekness of wisdom and the wisdom of meekness. He
was the first Baptist minister I ever heard use the
Lord's prayer, which he did as he prayed before my
sermon, when I preached at Battersea for Mr. Hughes.
There, too, I had my last interview with him. Mr.
B e had sent his carriage to town for two others
and ourselves, and it was to take us back the next
morning; but preferring to be by ourselves we pri-
vately took boat, and returned by water. In our con-
versation I well remember asking him what views of
heaven he found the most attractive and affecting?
He replied, " These have varied, (perhaps owing to
some change in my condition or experience,) at differ-
ent times ; but for a good while past, I think my most
delightful view of heaven has been derived from it as a
place and state of blessed and endeared society, with
Jesus at the Head. Hence I have frequently touched
upon it in my sermons, and have more than once
preached from such texts as these : ' I beheld a great
multitude,' &c., and ' by our gathering together unto
him.' 'He will present us together with you,' &c."
Thus we reached the stairs of Blackfriars Bridge, and
parted to meet no more till adieux and farewells are a
sound unknown. But what a savor does communion
with such a man leave upon the spirit! And how
blamable are we in not turning our social moments to
more account ! for we never know but our present in-
tercourse may be our final.
"What a noble and deserved Memorial of him did
Fuller publish, and what a beautiful motto did he prefix
to the work ! " O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thy
REV. SAMUEL PEARCE, A.M. 9
high places!" Who was not, therefore, mortified to
find, in a new edition by his son, this exquisite motto
exchanged for a good, but common-place passage of
Scripture? Fuller, all polemic as he was, had no little
genius and sensibility ; and sometimes he had express-
ions which verify Shakspeare's remark,
" One stroke of Nature makes the world our kin 1"
1ST. B. The son promised, in case of a new edition
of the Life, to replace the beautiful motto.
Pearce seemed beatified before his time. How
young he died ! and with what prospects of usefulness
before him ! and with what qualifications to serve his
generation! What can we say to these things ? No-
thing. " Be still, and know that I am Grod."
But there is something peculiarly mysterious and af-
fecting in the removal of such men, and in the midst
of these 'days especially,
1st. When contrasted with the continuance to long
life of many of the worthless and injurious. And,
2dly. When viewed in connection with the disposi-
tion and influence to do good, and the numberless
calls for their exertion. Alas for this dark world of
ours ! We have had a few burning and shining "lights,
and can we see the most luminous among them extin-
guished without concern ? We want all their talents,
and all their zeal ; and shall they perish and no man
lay it to heart? or pray, " Help, Lord, for the godly
man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the chil-
dren of men " ?
When the Eeminiscent informed Dr. Davies of the
death of Dr. Williams of Eotherham, he burst into
1*
10 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
tears, and said, " I am almost ashamed to be alive,
when so many great and good men die."
The hoary head is a "crown of glory," if it be
found in the " way of righteousness j-" and Job speaks
of it as a privilege ; " Thou shalt come to thy grave
in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in, in his
season." Be it so, and let all whose days are length-
ened be concerned to " bring forth fruit in old age."
Yet, is protracted life always the mark of Divine ap-
probation and distinction ? May not the produce re-
main longer on the tree because of its slow ripening ?
May not persons go late to rest, because the business
of the day is not yet discharged? Do not some live
because they are not fit to die ?
Of one thing we may be assured, that, whenever we
are summoned, we shall not be detained for want of
means of removal.
" Dangers stand thick through all the ground
To push us to the tomb ;
And fierce diseases wait around,
To hurry mortals home."
Though I was not a personal witness of the follow-
ing occurrence, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of
recording it, from the testimony of one who was. Mr.
Pearce was preaching on a public occasion ; the ser-
mon was excellent and well arranged; but after he
had appeared naturally to have ended it, he broke forth
afresh ; and what was added, though excellent, seemed
not to grow out of the particular subject of the dis-
course.
When it was over, Mr. Puller, who had heard it,
said, " Mr. Pearce, will you allow me to ask a ques-
REV. SAMUEL PEARCE, A.M. 11
tion? I nmcli liked and admired your sermon, but
did you make intentionally any alteration of or ad-
dition to it, in the close ? because, valuable as it was,
it seemed not of a piece with the former parts." After
a pause, Mr. Pearce said, "Well, if I must answer,
the case was this : When I was uttering the last two
or three sentences, I saw running up to the crowded
place a poor man, wiping his face and head, and eager
to hear. I thought this poor creature had come from
a distance, and.it would be cruel to let him go away
without hearing a word of the Saviour ; and so my
pride yielded to my pity, and I tried to be useful, by
adding a few things, regardless of connection or order."
And what said not fastidious critics but lovers of
souls, and angles, and God, the Judge of all?
In confirmation of Mr. Jay's exalted judgment of
this eminent minister and Christian, we could add
something from our own recollection, but prefer the
insertion of a few words from the pen of the Rev. W.
Ward, missionary to India, and a brief description of
Pearce's character by the Rev. Andrew Fuller.
Mr. Ward says, in a letter to a friend, dated Janu-
ary 5, 1799, " I am happy in the company of dear
brother Pearce. I have seen more of Grod in him than
in any other person I ever knew. O how happy
should I be to live and die with him ! When well,
he preaches three times on a Lord's day, and two or
three times in a week besides. He instructs the young
people in the principles of religion, natural philosophy,
astronomy, &c. They have a Benevolent Society, from
the funds of which they distribute 40 or 50 a-year
12 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHAKACTEK.
to the poor of tlie congregation. They have a Sick
Society for visiting the afflicted in general ; a Book
Society at chapel ; a Lorcl's-day School, at which be-
twixt two and three hundred children are instructed.
Add to this, missionary business, visiting the people,
an extensive correspondence, two volumes of mission
history preparing for the press, &c. ; and then you will
see something of the soul of Pearce. He is everywhere
venerated, though but a young man ; and all the kind,
tender, gentle affections make him as a little child at
the feet of the Saviour."
Mr. Fuller says, " There have been few men in whom
has been united a greater portion of the contemplative
and the active ; holy zeal, and genuine candor ; spirit-
uality and rationality ; talents that attracted almost
universal applause, and the most unaffected modesty ;
faithfulness in bearing testimony against evil, with the
tenderest compassion to the soul of the evil-doer ; for-
titude that would encounter any difficulty in the way
of duty, without anything boisterous, noisy, or over-
bearing ; deep seriousness, with habitual cheerfulness,
and a constant aim to promote the highest degree of
piety in himself and others, with a readiness to hope
the best of the lowest ; not breaking the bruised reed,
nor quenching the smoking flax."* Mr. Pearce died
October 10, 1799, at the early age of thirty-four, uni-
versally admired, beloved, and lamented.
* Memoirs of Pearce by Fuller, pp. 208 and 245.
REV. ROBERT HALL, A.M.
WITH this very eminent man I became acquainted
when, before my settlement in Bath, I was preaching
for Lady Maxwell, at Hope Chapel, at the Hotwells.
Being so near Bristol, I had opportunities of hearing
him, and also of visiting him in his own house, and
meeting him in various companies. He was then co-
pastor with Dr. Evans, of the Baptist church in Broad-
mead, and co-tutor with him in the academy. He had
been for some time before noticed, but he was then ex-
citing peculiar attention, and rising into great fame.
In speaking of him as a preacher, I have one ad-
vantage which Mr. Foster had not ; viz., an early, as
well as a late, acquaintance with him ; so that I can
view him comparatively in different periods of his his-
tory.
His preaching, when I first knew him, was certainly
intellectually greater and more splendid than it was
for many years before his death. This was the case
with sermons I well remember, from these texts,
" Ye err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power
of Grod ;" " The wrath of man shall praise thee, O
Lord ;" " The spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made
me free from the law of sin and death;" " The inherit-
ance of the saints in light," &c. These sermons, con-
14 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
sidered only as the productions of genius, rose above
any I ever heard from him years afterwards. This,
however, was not the effect of any declension of
ability ; and, therefore, he still occasionally brought
forth a discourse far above the level of his usual per-
formances, as if to show he had not become unequal
to his former doings ; but from mere pious considera-
tions, and a growing wish to accommodate himself to
the common apprehension, and to general usefulness.
Another reason, too, had some influence; viz., the
increased number of Ms sermons after he became a
sole pastor, which allowed not so much time to elab
orate and polish.
Mr. Hall sometimes expressed himself as if he be
lieved his real conversion was subsequent to his first
awful visitation (insanity). We do not admit this;
but it is well known that he became more and more
spiritual and evangelical; and that at first, while he
drew the admiration of all, he awakened the fears of
some. Nor need we wonder at this, when we take
into the account the occasional (though not criminal)
sportivenesses and levities he betrayed ; his freedoms
in conversation, when, for the sake of a contest, in
which he was always pretty sure of victory, he de-
fended things which he did not believe ; and that, for
awhile, he avowed materialism, and denied the common
notion of the Trinity, by contending for a Duality of
persons in the Divine Essence. With regard to the
latter, the scheme had all the difficulties supposed to
attach to Trinitarianism, without some of its scriptural
supports. Hence, many have questioned whether he
was in earnest in his belief of so strange a doctrine ;
but I have heard him avow it with firmness ; and I
REV. ROBERT HALL, A.M. 15
remember spending an evening with him in Bath, in a
company that included a Sabellian, two Trinitarians,
and himself as a Dualist; and when the Kemini scent,
afraid to enter into the metaphysical part of the dis-
cussion, ventured to mention the baptismal form of
words as a difficulty, and to ask whether it was not
very strange that " in the name of the Father and of
the Son," should intend personality, and "in the name
of the Holy Ghost" only a mere power or influence ;
and, also, whether it was not strange to baptize any
one " in the name" of an abstraction, he acknowledged
that it presented a difficulty, but incautiously said, he
did " not think it right to hang a Divine person on one
text." This was obviously improper and unbecoming,
and he ingenuously acknowledged it, as soon as it was
noticed by one of the company ; and nothing, in his
after-years, was further from his disposition than to
treat anything sacred lightly; though it must have
been always difficult for him to refrain from/ett d' 'esprit
on many subjects, with his amazing force and quick-
ness of imagination.
Some individuals (for there was no party) complain-
ed and frequently absented themselves when Mr. Hall
preached, and there was considerable probability that
the number would increase. I speak from personal
knowledge at the time, and as one who, standing out
of the scene, could observe and judge with less bias
tli an those who were thus drawn into an unpleasant
dispute and division. In the painful breach that took
place between Mr. Hall and Dr. Evans, I must think
that Dr. Evans was perfectly blameless of the motive
which some of Mr. Hall's friends were led. by some
circumstances, to impute to him. I am fully persuad-
16 PKACTIGAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
ed that nothing could be further from the spirit of Dr.
Evans than an uneasiness at the growing fame of his
associate. He loved and esteemed him almost to idol-
atry. I happened to be in Bristol for a Sabbath but a
little while before the breach. I attended Dr. Evans
in the morning ; preached myself in the afternoon ;
and heard Mr. Hall in the evening. As we were go-
ing to the evening service, Dr. Evans leaned upon my
arm, and all his conversation was of the wonderful
man we were going to hear ; and it was all full of
what some would have deemed excessive honor and
praise. "His eloquence," said he, "is unequalled, and
his powers of mind seem bordering on infinite. If
some are not so satisfied with regard to his piety, I have
had better opportunities of knowing him, and who-
ever shall live long enough will see the excellency of
his character. I find him distinguished, not only by
his talents, but by his grace also." But, on the other
^and, as from this motive, Dr. Evans did not hail Mr
Hall's invitation, (and never did use means to procure
it, as some have surmised,) I believe he had no objec-
tion to Mr. Hall's removal on another ground, viz., the
clanger of a schism, owing to some respectable persons
who were suspicious of his orthodoxy, occasioned by
appearances likely to operate on some minds. A rent
in, or even a considerable secession from, such a re-
spectable and kindly mother church, was to be ear-
nestly deprecated ; but the evil would be prevented
by Mr. Hall's translation to another sphere, and what
seemed so suitable as Cambridge for the exertion and
display of his mighty mind?
There is little doubt but Mr. Hall, in process of time,
saw this. He spake cordially of Dr. Evans before his
KEY. EGBERT HALL, A.M. IT
death, and he has now joined him in a world where
mistakes and infirmities are known no more. Yet we
cannot help remarking with lamentation, what trifling
causes give rise to surmisings, and strifes, and discords,
even among good men, which a little seasonable ex-
planation would hinder or heal. But there is nothing-
new under the sun. Paul and Barnabas contended,
and parted for a season ; but this was overruled for
good, and caused the Gospel to ^e spread in several
currents, which would otherwise have been confined to
one ; while it served to prove the excellency of their
principles in their eventual reconciliation and har-
mony. But how ought we to rejoice and praise God
that a man of his extraordinary ability and influence
so soon had his " heart established with grace ;" fully
preached the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel ; and
through the whole of his after life acknowledged and
defended their importance, as well as their truth. His
path was like the shining light, which, though it may
be a little hazy in the dawn, yet shineth more and
more unto the perfect day, and sets in cloudless glory.
It is needless to dwell on Mr. Hall as " the eloquent
orator." But in his preaching, there was not only elo-
quence which charmed numbers who sought for no-
thing else, but the fervor of the man of God. It was
impossible to hear him and not be impressed with his
earnestness, and concern to do good, rather than to be
admired ; and the entire forgetfulness of himself in
h:s subject.
His powers of conversation were equal to those of
his preaching. Some have thought they even sur-
passed them. I remember Mr. Foster, when he had
been introduced to Mr. Hall, remarking that, after be-
18 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
ing in Hs company, you. might be comparatively disap-
pointed in hearing him preach ; for, after hearing him
speak off-hand upon any subject with such ease, and
force, and purity, and precision, and exquisiteness, you
might be naturally led to expect something propor-
tionally greater after much study and preparation.
Some men's minds seem to resemble a reservoir,
large and deep ; yet, having been filled, capable of be-
ing emptied. But Mr. Hall's mind always intimated
a mighty spring ; not made, but created ; always full,
yet pouring forth streams of clear and living water.
There was not only a constant plenty, but a constant
freshness of communication. "Who ever heard him
repeat any image, or maxim, or saying of his own ?
Perhaps the following is not an exception : A minis-
ter has stated in print that, in a conversation with him
not a great while before his death, he called Dr. Owen
" a continent of mud." I am sure I heard this from
him more than thirty years before, and I had often re-
peated it. Might not the report of an old sarcasm
have been taken for a fresh one? And what was re-
lated by another be mistaken for what was so unlikely
to be repeated by himself?
As to the reflection itself, it always surprised me.
I think he could only have read some of the doctor's
least valuable works, and in an unfavorable mood. A
voluminous writer he was, but surely he was anything
but a dull one ; and even in the presence of so great
an authority, I must judge for myself, and rather join
with Newton and Cecil, who pronounced him " the
prince of divines." How searching and quickening
are some of his treatises ! what specimens also of fine
reasoning have we in them ! how much does he carry
REV. ROBERT HALL. A.M. 19
us always with him ! and how little are we able to
question his conclusions as we peruse them ! We say
not this of all his numerous publications, but we could
specify many of his works which, for their practical
bearing, and experimentality, and evangelical senti-
ment, and the savor they diffuse of the Eedeemer's
* *s
knowledge, we are ready to say are incomparable ;
and we wish many of our young divines were more
familiar with them. I have a little work of his, I be-
lieve very little known, (of which I have never seen
any other copy,) " Evidences of the Faith of God's
Elect." It was written for the encouragement and
comfort of his wife under her doubts and fears, and
was given me many years ago by Mr. Wilberforce,
who much commended it ; only wishing, for the sake
of some readers, that it had been differently entitled.
So I remember he did also with regard to Fuller's un-
answerable publication, " The Calvinistical and Socin-
ian Systems Compared," remarking, that if the word
" evangelical" or " orthodox" had been used instead
of " Calvinistical," many would have read that won-
derful performance whose narrow and prejudiced minds
had been revolted by a term unnecessarily adopted.
Mr. Hall, like Dr. Johnson, professed to believe in
preternatural appearances ; and certainly, from his
manner when speaking of such subjects, his credence
seemed to be sincere.
The first evening I ever spent with him was at the
house of Mr. W y, near the Bristol Bridge. Of
course, he was the lion of the company. The party
broke up late, and the latter part of the conversation
turned upon apparitions. He defended his belief, not
only in the possibility, but in the actuality, of
20 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
appearances, with much ingenuity and ability, and
seemed to convince himself, if not others ; and when
we were to separate, he refused to go home at that
midnight hour unless some of us accompanied him.
His arguing and fear certainly seemed more than oddity
or affectation.
Mr. Hall was fond of referring to Satanic power.
In his sermon on this subject, taken imperfectly in
short-hand, finding a difficulty in his view of such
agency, as immediate, personal, and individual, with-
out admitting omniscience and omnipresence, he seems
to solve it by pleading for an infinite number of
agents. Is not this strange ?
It is remarkable how he noticed little incidents and
circumstances which seemed likely to escape the ob-
servation of so great a mind, and what proof he gave
of it in adverting to them long after. How many in-
stances of this have I witnessed ! No one could ex-
press a compliment or a commendation more tersely
and perfectly. I remember his saying of Dr. Ryland,
" Sir, I would as soon take Dr. Eyland's word as Ga-
briel's oath." At another time he said, " Sir, he' s
piety itself; and if there was not room for him in
heaven, God would turn out an archangel to make
room." I one day asked his opinion of a female who
attended his ministry at Leicester. " Sir," said he,
"she has the manners of a court, and the piety of a
convent."
He was at the tabernacle the first time I ever preach-
ed in Bristol, and when I was little more than seven-
teen. When I came down from the pulpit, as I pass-
ed him, he said, " Sir, I liked your sermon much bet-
ter than your quotations." I never knew him severe
REV. EGBERT HALL, AM. 21
upon a preacher, however moderate his abilities, if,
free from affectation, he spoke with simplicity, nor
tried to rise above his level. But, as to others, no-
thing could be occasionally more witty and crushing
than his remarks. One evening, in a rather crowded
place, (I was sitting by. him,) a minister was preaching
very finely and flourishingly to little purpose, from the
"white horse," and the "red horse," and the "black
horse," and the "pale horse," in the Eevelation. He
sat very impatiently, and when the sermon closed he
pushed out towards the door, saying, " Let me out of
this horse-fair."
One day, when he had heard another of those self-
admiring, pompous nothings, and was eagerly asked
by a lady how he liked his sermon, he answered,
" Ma'am, I always thought he was predestinated to be a
fool ; and he has now made his calling and election sure."
I was once in the library at the academy, conversing
with one of the students, who was speaking of his ex-
perience, and lamented the hardness of his heart. Mr,
Hall, as he was near, taking down a book from the shelf,
hearing this, turned towards him and said, "Well, thy
head is soft enough ; that 's a comfort." I could not
laugh at this ; it grieved me ; for the young man was
modest, and humble, and diffident. He must have felt
it severely ; and I have no doubt "but Mr. Hall's re-
flections smote him afterward for this apparent harsh-
ness and offence. There is no just excuse for such
things. We must not fling about arrows, and, if any
of them pierce, say it was in sport. Should not only
ill-nature, but wit or humor, expose us to this evil, we
know the prayer, " Set a watch, O Lord, upon my
mouth : keep the door of my lips."
22 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
A minister, popular too ! one day said to me, " I
wonder you think so highly of Mr. Hall's talents. I
was some time ago travelling with him into Wales,
and we had several disputes, and I more than once
soon silenced him." I concluded how the truth was ;
and, some weeks after, when his name was mentioned,
Mr. Hall asked me if I knew him. " I lately travelled
with him," said he, " and it was wonderful, sir, how
such a baggage of ignorance and confidence could
have been squeezed into the vehicle. He disgusted
and wearied me with his dogmatism and perverse-
ness, till God was good enough to enable me to go to
sleep."
Though the Eeminisceut so much admires all Mr.
Hall's writings, Nothing strikes him so powerfully as
his " Eeviews." Who does not wish we had more of
them ? The Eeminiscent also is compelled to ac-
knowledge, contrary to the opinion of some dissen-
tients, that he believes Mr. Foster has done justice to
Mr. Hall's character as a divine and a preacher.
I cannot forbear inserting Mr. Hall's character of
Popery :
" Popery, in the ordinary state of its profession, combines the
form of godliness with the total denial of its power. A heap of
unmeaning ceremonies, adapted to fascinate the imagination and
engage the senses ; implicit faith in human authority, combined
v/ith an utter neglect of divine teaching; ignorance the most pro-
found, joined to dogmatism the most presumptuous ; a vigilant ex-
clusion of Biblical knowledge, together -with a total extinction of
free inquiry, present the spectacle of religion lying in state, sur-
rounded with all the silent pomp of death. The very absurdities
of such a religion render it less unacceptable to men whose decided
hostility to truth inclines them to vieAv with complacency whatever
obscures its beaiity or impedes its operation. Of all the c< rruptions
REV. EOBEET HALL, A.M. 23
of Christianity which have prevailed to any considerable extent,
Popery presents the most numerous points of contrast to the sim-
ple doctrines of the Gospel ; and, just in proportion as it gains
ground, the religion of Christ must decline. Popery still is what
it always was ; a detestable system of impiety, cruelty, and impos-
ture, fabricated by the father of lies ; and though we are far from
supposing that, were Popery triumphant, it would allow toleration
to 'any denomination of Protestants, the professors of evangelical
piety woul i assuredly be among its first victims."*
* Eev. Eobert Hall, Works, IV., 230.
REV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M; A.
No institution since the Apostolic era will bear a
comparison with the British and Foreign Bible So-
ciety, whether we consider the period and circum-
stances of its origination, the supreme importance of
its design, the Catholicism of its basis, the principle on
which alone it depends for its success, the unbroken
harmony of its numerous adherents, the magnitude
of its undertakings, the immensity of its achievements,
or the bearing of its operations on the great moral
questions which agitate the world.
" To meet its growing and rapid demands, and to sup-
port its operations, especially by public meetings, three
secretaries were appointed to defend, advocate, and
recommend its claims. These were John Owen, chap-
lain to Bishop Porteus, Dr. Steinkopff, a German Lu-
theran divine, and Joseph Hughes, a dissenter. The
wisdom of the appointment appeared strikingly ob-
vious. No three individuals could more have suited
each other and their work.
Mr. Hughes had another relation to the Society.
He not only attended from the first its formation ; but
may be, in some respects, acknowledged (as Mr. Owen
in his history states) as influencing the commencement
of it. This was enough to ennoble and immortalize
REV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M.A. 25
Mm ; but tie would always say, " By tlie grace of God
I am what I am."
A good Life of this deservedly-esteemed man was
published soon after his death by the Kev. Dr. Leif-
child. In that work, my opinion of him, generally
expressed, is to be found.* My acquaintance with
him is there also noticed. It was long and very inti-
mate. We indulged in a peculiar freedom of mind
towards each other ; and there seemed to be but a sin-
gle religious difference between us, and this was not an
essential one. It did not, therefore, diminish our mutual
regard. Some, perhaps, would deem it impossible to
be the means of increasing it. But love and liberality
have secrets which strangers intermeddle not with.
And is there no pleasure in knowing that we are able
to distinguish things that differ ; that we have candor
enough to allow others to think and judge for them-
selves ; and that, instead of being " overcome of evil,
we can overcome evil with good" ? And is not big-
otry such an evil ?
He was a man of great simplicity of manners, and
of freedom from affectation and all airs of superiority ;
and, though decidedly a Dissenter and a Baptist, not
only from education but conviction, yet he had a most
catholic spirit; and I do not wonder that the exercise
of it, in some instances, awakened the suspicions of
bigots, who feared that, because he was not rigid, he
was not decided ; and that, where there was no exclu-
siveness, there was no conviction.
He kept himself unspotted from the world, and was
not only sincere, but " without rebuke until the day of
Christ."
* See the addition to this paper, it its close.
2
26 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
As a preacher he possessed materials and qualities
which did not produce the advantages in his ministra-
tions which might have been expected. I remember
the Eev. Mr. Hinton of Oxford (his alter idem, and
who was exceedingly attached to him) once asking this
question " Whence is it that our valued friend, who
has such an unblemished reputation, and stands so high
in public esteem, and has so much more learning than
falls to the share of many of his brethren, and has such
an easy command of words, and such an affluence of
imagery, and such a readiness of utterance; should
make so little impression in preaching, compared with
persons so inferior to him, in these and other attri-
butes?" " Send this question," said I, "to all the tu-
tors in our academies ; bring it forward also in every
company of preachers ; and show the propriety of
learning from example as well as from precept, and
from failure as well as from success, how to excel."
Some would, perhaps, ascribe a little of his want of
popularity to his personal appearance. This was not
prepossessing; but other preachers have succeeded
without this species of attraction and impression. In
part his failure arose from his voice, which was inhar-
monious and weak, and, when elevated to the full, had
a kind of dry shrillness, and allowed of no inflexions.
But his style is the most faulty. Foster, in one of his
letters to him, says, "Hall spoke much of your at-
tainments and talents, but exceedingly condemned
what you know I always hate, the want of simplicity
in your style." . It was this want of simplicity, rather
than a want of right feeling, that made him fail in the
pathetic. His metaphors were glances rather than
comparisons. His beauties were too delicate to be
EEV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M.A. 27
>
striking, and required some degree of previous culti-
vation and taste to perceive and admire them. His
discourse contained too little of the phraseology of the
pulpit to be satisfactory to many of the common yet
pious hearers, who were most familiar with the words
which the Holy Grhost useth, and whose ears were most
attuned to the language of their orthodox ancestors.
And why should such hearers be disappointed or per-
plexed ? And what is there less instructive and edify-
ing in the diction of our old divinity than in the terms
of those who would rather remind us of Johnson and
Addison, than of Leighton, Elavel and Whitfield?
It was too much Mr. Hughes' aim, not only as a
writer but as a preacher, to render his language cor-
rect and refined, rather than bold and free. His con-
cern here was extreme; and what Gray said of the
penury of his " Churchyard" peasant may be applied
to the fastidiousness of our preacher
" Fastidiousness repressed his noble rage,
And chill'd the genial current of his soul."
A dread of little mistakes and improprieties, like
the sword of Damocles, hung over his head, and pre-
vented the relish of the banquet he would otherwise
have enjoyed.
A preacher's great and obvious attention (and where
it is great it will usually be obvious) to minutenesses in
his composition and address weakens the sympathy of
his audience, and often hardly allows of a frigid ap-
probation of what is deserving of praise. On the
other hand, when a man is absorbed in his siibject, lit-
tle improprieties, should they occur, will either be un-
28 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
perceived, or as being more than atoned for, will be
disregarded by a riveted audience.
And what should be the anxiety of a man of Grod
to gain admiration or to secure profit ? To be favora-
bly noticed for memory by two or three who have lit-
tle more to recommend them than mere intellect ; or to
have numbers hanging upon his lips, and "wondering
at the gracious words which proceed out of his mouth,"
to the use of edifying ? To appear the chaste classic
from the schools, or the able minister of the New Tes-
tament full of grace and truth ?
I always considered Mr. Hughes as one of the found-
ers of the Tract Society, and also as the first suggest-
er of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Had he
been distinguished by nothing else, surely this would
have been sufficient to ennoble and immortalize him.
One structure has made an architect ; one poem, a poet ;
one battle, a hero. But what one exploit can be com-
pared to that which led to the establishment of a so-
ciety which has translated the Scriptures into all lan-
guages ; and is filling the earth with the knowledge of
the Lord, as the waters cover the seas. And how
much did he who was honored in the suggestion of
this Godlike Institution aid it afterwards by his Secre-
taryship, by his travels, and labors, and those addresses
on the platform which so much excelled the effect of
his sermons !
Mr. Hughes was the first from whom I heard any-
thing of the extraordinary powers of John Foster. He
was then a student leaving Bristol Academy, where he
had been only one year. Mr. Hughes prepared the
way for the spread of his fame ; and for this he had the
best opportunities, especially on his settlement at Bat-
REV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M.A. 29
>
tersea; and having access to a variety of distinguished
characters residing at Olapham Common. He was
not mistaken in his estimate of this peculiar and orig-
inal genius; but lived to see his opinion abundantly
confirmed by the voice of the public. Mr. Hughes
himself sold several hundred copies of the Essays
when they first came out.
Mr. Hughes had the honor of being appointed to
preach Mr. Hall's funeral sermon. But how strange
was the choice of his text on so peculiar an occasion,
" All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till
my change come," Job, xiv. 14. It was as appropriate
to a private believer, as to one of the most extraor-
dinary of human beings. But he had prepared a fu-
neral sermon from those words which he had preached
a fortnight before at Hackney. " In all labor there is
profit." How much do we often lose by sacrificing to
ease ? An old discourse seldom answers the purpose
of a new occasion :
First. As someting already prepared is learnt off,
there will be relaxing of study and exertion.
Secondly. There will be less suitableness and perti-
nence to the event to be noticed and improved. And,
Tliirdly. There will be less liveliness and freshness
of feeling in the preacher's address.
Mr. Hughes was little known as an author. He
published several single discourses, a sermon before
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in the
Highlands and Islands of Scotland, a sermon on the
Sabbath, and a sermon on the death of the Duke of
Kent. He published also an essay on the excellency
of the Scripture his best performance.*
* This was n doubt the essay which prepared the way for the
30 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION'S OF CHARACTER.
There were few men for whom I entertained a higher
regard, or with whom I exchanged so much thought.
APPENDIX BY THE KDITOKS.
The Eev. Dr. Leifcliild, in his Life of the Rev. Joseph Hughes, thus
introduces Mr. Jay's opinion referred to in the preceding article.
" With the Rev. W. Jay of Bath Mr. Hughes was more than or-
dinarily intimate. As far as two men, of somewhat different intel-
lectual habits and theological views could love one another, they
did so love to the end of life. Let the survivor speak for himself,
with his own characteristic naivete and force:
" ' Mr. Hughes was often and much at Bath formerly, supplying
several years at Argyle Chapel for six weeks together while I was
in town. I have been intimately acquainted with him for upwards
of forty-three years, and have exchanged more mind with him than
with any man I ever knew, except my friend and tutor, Cornelius
Winter. With regard to religious things, we only differed as to
Baptism ; and if we did not love each other the more for this dif-
ference, I am sure we did not love each other the less. We dis-
agreed, too, a little with regard to composition aud preaching ; he
too squeamish, and I too careless ; he laboring for correctness, and
I for impression ; (in grasping which I sometimes erred ;) he too
satisfied if he could abide criticism ; and I too careless of critical
judgment, if I could secure effect. Yet though he was often kindly
finding fault with me when we were alone, he was always seeking
opportunities to hear me, and I cannot be ignorant how much I
shared his commendation as an author and a preacher. I am thank-
ful for my intimacy with him. My esteem of him always grew with
my intercourse. I never knew a -more consistent, correct, and unblem-
ished character. He was not only sincere, but without offence, and
adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
" 'His mind was full of information ; his conversation singularly
instructive, and very edifying ; and while others talked of candor
and moderation, he exemplified them. In his theological sentiments
lie was firm, yet sober and liberal ; and not too orthodox (as I have
formation of the Bible Society, of which we have taken notice in the
Appendix to this article.
REV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M.A. 31
>
often known this) to be evangelical. But why do I write this ?
You know it as well as I, and will describe it better.'
" Mr. Jay's opinion that the conception of the British and Foreign
Bible Society originated in the mind of his friend, Joseph Hughes,
is fully confirmed by the memoir from which the above extract is
taken ; and from which we must beg to present the following elu-
cidation of a fact which has sometimes been obscured, if not actually
denied.
" The Eev. F. Charles, a clergyman of the Church of England,
but frequently officiating among the Calvinistic Methodists in
"Wales, paid a visit to the Metropolis. He represented, with all the
characteristic ardor and pathos of his native country, the dearth of
Bibles in the native language of the Principality. He told of a
scanty supply which had once been obtained from ' The Society for
promoting Christian Knowledge,' but which by its inadeqiiacy had
served rather to increase than allay the anxiety of the inhabitants ;
as the thirsty earth but pines and languishes the more for a few
big drops only from the cloud which had been expected to shower
down an abundance of moisture. This individual being present as
a visitor at the Committee Meeting of the Tract Society, expatiated
on the subject of a supply of Welsh Bibles, (Mr. Joseph Tarn, a mem-
ber of the Committee, having previously introduced him,) and urged
it most earnestly upon the attention of the meeting. To supply
Bibles was not the professed object of the Society; yet he could
hardly have been introduced to a circle of individuals in the whole
world more disposed to listen to his representations, to sympathize
with his feelings, and to respond to his calls. The whole meeting
instantly felt the desirableness of the object; but the mind of the
Secretary (Mr. Hughes) was warmed with the subject, his previous
train of reflections was recalled and quickened into motion, and
wrought, it may well be believed, into a high degree of energy.
His views, probably, in connection with those of the members pres-
ent v went much further than the specific object proposed to them
the supply of the "Welsh. The precise language in which lie ex-
pressed his views, it is now difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain ;
and we must, therefore, be contented with the fact. Some, indeed,
of the individuals present at that meeting who survive recollect no-
"thing particular ; others retain a sense of his distinct and emphatic
utterance of this remark '"Why not Bibles for the whole country
for the whole world ?'
32 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
" The minutes of that meeting which Avere revised by himself and
Mr. Tarn, under a concern to leave a perfectly accurate account of
wl at had transpired, record that such an object of solicitude, 'AT
IIIE SUGGESTION OF THE SECRETARY,' (Mr. Hughes,) Avas deemed worthy
of attention, Avas suitable for the notice of that body, and should
be placed on record for consideration at their next meeting. This
fact he himself, though careful of not having too much attributed
to him, alAvays admitted. It appeared in several printed accounts,
while most of the members of that Committee Avere living ; and all
had access to the minutes as Avell as himself, and Avas never ques-
tioned. A variety of particulars in his correspondence, as well be-
fore as after this period, and the part immediately and thenceforward
assigned to him in all ulterior proceedings, confirm the idea. It
may, therefore, be safely concluded that the elements of the New
Institution were first of all deliberately conceived in his mind ;
that there its original seed was planted by the hand of its Almighty
Author. The facts above related occurred in the memorable morn-
ing of December 7, 1802. The views and feelings of all present ac-
corded with the suggestion or suggestions made to the effect above
noticed.
" Mr. Hughes was requested by the Chairman, in the name of the
rest, to embody the sentiments then delivered in a written address,
to be read to them at a future meeting convened for the purpose.
He readily complied ; and, after several meetings of the same kind,
the .address, with some few emendations, was ordered to be printed
with a A'iew to its immediate circulation. It was printed at first
in quarto, the intention being to circulate chiefly among persons in
high station individuals whose countenance might shield the mag-
nitude of the scheme it proposed from the charge of wildness or
titter impracticability. It was subsequently printed in octavo, and
went through several editions.
" This pamphlet, which was entitled, ' TJie Excellence of the Holy
Scriptures : an Argument for their more general dispersion at home and
abroad,' was the earliest public act of preparation for the establish-
ment of that first and greatest of our National Societies. A docu-
ment so momentous in its results, so excellent in itself, and so in-
timately connected with the subsequent history and everlasting re-
nown of our friend, requires some further notice from the pen of
his Biographer. A more important production, viewing the train
of consequences to which it has led, and is still leading, surely never
issued from the British press, saving only the Holy Bible itself."
. EEV. JOSEPH HUGHES, M.A. 33
After giving a very complete analysis of Mr. Hughes' work his
Biographer thus concludes :
"The publication of this pamphlet marks an era, undoubtedly
one of the most propitious in the religious history of our country ;
and which will be pointed to and signalized in future ages as the
date of one of the most popular, most useful, and most important
Institutions that ever blessed the world.
" The publication of Mr. Hughes' Essay took place early in 1803 ;
and for something more than a year the project was contemplated
with serious, and, it may be believed, with much prayerful thought,
by pious and benevolent men of various Christian denominations.
At length its first general public meeting was called, on March the
*7th, 1804. Granville Sharpe, Esquire, in the Chair." Memoir of
Rev. Joseph Hughes, A.M., pp. 142, 194, 207, 209.
2*
REV. JOHN FOSTER.
I HAD many opportunities of seeing Mr. Foster, from
the time he was a student at Bristol to the period of
his death. He was thrice settled near me, viz., at
Downend, at Frome, and at Stapleton. His wife had
relations in my congregation ; and he sometimes pass-
ed a Sabbath in Bath ; but I could never induce him
to preach for me. He declined commonly by say-
ing (with complacency and pleasantry), " You know
neither you nor your people would ever ask me again ;
I am never desired to preach a second time."
The first interview I had with him was at the house
of Mrs. Hannah More. It was attended with the in-
cident which I mentioned in my Eeminiscence of this
extraordinary and excellent woman, the producing
for the opinion of the party of the tract entitled " The
Shepherd of Salisbury Plain" as the first of a series
which, it was hoped, would tend to supplant the
worthless and mischievous trash in immense circula-
tion, and to furnish something not only harmless, but
useful, in its stead. It was at a breakfast ; the com-
pany was select, yet rather numerous. But all I re-
member with regard to Foster was his taciturnity ; for
I know not that he uttered a single sentence. As,
like myself, he had risen from (what is called, I know
REV. JOHN FOSTER. 35
not why) penniless life, and had, as yet, seen little of
society, it might have been supposed* that he was
rather restrained, when among persons above the class
in which he had moved ; but even then, he had such
a consciousness of his talents as would have secured
him from such influence.
Some time after this, Mr. Henry Thornton, M. P.
for the Borough of Southwark, being in Bath, and
having heard of his powers, desired me to engage him
some day to dine with him. I did so ; and, mortify -
ingly, he again showed his indisposition to talk ; and
our most excellent entertainer was not much formed
to make his company easy, and free, and communica-
tive ; for his manner was peculiarly cold, distant, and
reserved. Foster said (yet I think very untruly), that
he sat as if he had a bag of money under his arm / but
at this time Mr. Foster had a kind of silly prejudice
against persons of affluence, however their wealth had
been obtained. This lessened in time ; and when he
thought of espousals, he seemed to think property
" was good and profitable to men;" not that, in his
choice, he overlooked wisdom and goodness, but show-
ed that he thought these were not the worse for being
endowed.
And this leads me to observe, that I never knew a
man possessing such a capacity for every kind of con-
versation who spoke so little, unless he had an indi-
vidual or two ; not (as he used to express it) to talk
upon, but to talk with.
An observable circumstance was his omission of
Scriptural expressions in his -prayers ; for I can hardly
remember his ever using any. This could not have
been from his ignorance of the Scriptures, for from a
86 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER,
child lie had known -them ; and, if it were designed,
what could have "been the motive for the omission ?
As this applied very much to his sermons, as well as
to his prayers (as may be seen in his skeleton lectures),
I ventured to ask him once concerning it, when he
rather lamented than justified the practice, and said
the fault was principally in his memory, and that he
feared to repeat such expressions, lest he should fail or
boggle in the accuracy of the sacred diction.
This leads me to remark another thing. In his ac-
count of -Mr. Hall's prayers, he has gently censured
him for too much of personal references and specifica-
tions. The remark being rather bold and novel, and
coming from such a pen, I hoped it would have excit-
ed notice, and produced a friendly discussion in some
of our religious periodicals. For myself, I had always
wished that less of the practice prevailed in our pub-
lic devotions. I say public devotions; for the family
altar, and the private closet, admit these, and often re-
quire them ; and there they are not only allowable, but
desirable. But against the public and frequent intro-
duction of minute and specific cases pertaining to in-
dividuals, there lie, I think, four objections : first, it
often perplexes and embarrasses the preacher to bring
them forward properly. Few have the command of
that fluency which enables them to express incidents
with readiness and with ease ; and there is frequently
danger in extempore prayer, lest the faculties should
be employed where the affections only should be ex-
ercised ; and this difficulty should not, if possible, be
increased. Secondly, it excites improper and unreason-
able attention and inquiry in the minds of the hearers.
This is especial! the case with the more curious and
EEV. JOHN FOSTER. 37
inquisitive. The devotion of many of these is at an
end as soon as such personalities are brought in ; and
their minds are immediately hunting through the con-
gregation or the neighborhood to ascertain the family,
or the individual, to whom the minister has alluded
Yet some in their devotions introduce, not only a
particular fact, but its circumstantial attributes; the
thanksgiving is not only for a safe delivery, but for
that of a son or daughter / and the prayer is not only
for a safe journey, -but by land or by water ; and the
recovery is implored, not from sickness, but from dropsy
or fever ; and so of the rest. Thirdly, there is frequent-
ly in these references a kind of adulatory, compliment-
ary strain. This is sometimes so gross, that, if it be
not very trying to those for whom it is designed, it
must be offensive to those by whom it is heard. Hence
expressions must be sought which tell in favor of the
individual ; and, when several are to be noticed at the
same time, great caution must be observed not to use
more respectful terms in speaking of one than of the
other. So averse have I been to this, and so afraid of
it in my own case, that I have commonly, especially
with younger ministers, when they have been preach-
ing for me, taken them aside before they entered the
pulpit, and begged them, either not to refer to me per-
sonally at all, or in only general terms. Fourthly, a
difficulty arises from the multiplicity of. cases. And
which of these can be passed by without offence?
Yet how can all be distinctly referred to? I had,
when preaching in the great congregation in Black-
friars Road, ten or twelve notes at a time. Who had
memory enough to retain them all ? And what time
would all these particularizations have taken up ?
88 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
And " Grod is in heaven, and we upon earth ; there-
fore, our words should be few."
I always dissented from Mr. Foster's recommending
preachers (sanctioned by his own practice) to lay aside
the language of what he called religious technicalities ;
and speaking of divine things in the same phraseology
as that in which they would speak of other things.
"Would the substitution be easy ? Would the advan-
tage repay the endeavor? Has it ever succeeded
where it has been tried ? I have known attempters
who have injured their acceptance and usefulness,
especially among those who heard our Saviour gladly.
And is the improvement of the mass of hearers to be
forgotten, in trying after two or three dry-minded,
perhaps captious, speculatists, or individuals, looking
only for literary display, when they hear the Gospel,
as well and as much as when they hear or read any-
thing else ?
Three things should be remembered. First, that
many, and let the main of these be poor, suppose they
have not the same things, if they are delivered in new
and strange words. Secondly, the terms and phrases
to be laid aside are generally .the language of our
translation (the only Bible the many have) ; and, of
all our divines, the most eminent and the most known.
Thirdly, is the new image preferable to the old cur-
rency? Is reformation equal to renovation ? Is favor
as significant as grace? Is forgiveness a full substitute
for justification f Does a promise supersede " an ever-
lasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure" ?
No one seemed to delight more in a simple, consist-
ent Christian, or "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no
guile," whatever was his condition or religious party,
EEV. JOHN FOSTER. 39
than Mr. Foster; but lie was very indignant at the in-
consistencies of many professors. I was one day visit-
ing with him at the house of a gentleman, who, though
a deacon of a Christian church, was too much carried
away with the pride of life. The mansion was deco-
rated with every kind of ornament, and the table fur-
nished with every luxury. As we were entering the
sumptuous dining-room, Foster pinched my elbow,
and said, "Is this the strait gate? "
In preaching, his delivery all through was in a low
and equable voice, with a kind of surly tone, and a fre-
quent repetition of a word at the beginning of a sen-
tence. He had a little fierceness occasionally in his
eye ; otherwise his face was set, and his arms perfectly
motionless. He despised all gesticulation, and also all
attempts to render anything emphatical in announce-
ment ; looking for the effect from the bare sentiment
itself, unhelped by anything in the delivery, which he
professed to despise. He contended that all eloquence
resides essentially in the thought, and what is eloquent
in any mode of expression would be so in every mode.
Yet he was singularly slow in composition, and fastidi-
ous in the structure of his sentences. But, upon the
admission of his own principle, how needless was the
solicitude of his practice? But in what do any of our
professions and our practices ever perfectly accord ?
He declined all explicit divisions in sermons, and
he was never found using the numerals "first," or
" second." The notes of his discourses (I have seen
many of them) seemed to consist of some leading sen-
tences, as places from which he started to enlarge.
These sentences, to change the metaphor, were seminal, .
and contained much matter which he could deduce
40 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
from them; and the seemingly detached parts had
some real connection or relation in his own mind.
An anecdote here may be instructive. I remember
dining with him in company, when the gentleman who
entertained us (the conversation happening to turn
upon preaching) remarked the propriety of an obvious
andnnmerical arrangement ; stating that, whatever may
be the case with educated and intellectual individuals,
the greater part of an audience do not perceive what is
relative unless it be expressed; nor are they able,
without methodical assistance, fully and easily to re-
ceive and secure what they have heard. Mr. Foster
not seemingly assenting, the gentleman proceeded to
ask, what no one could deny, whether that which es-
caped in the mere act of hearing could do much good ;
and whether that was not more likely to be beneficial
which remained on the mind, and would be thought of
alone and repeated in company. He added, " Now,
sir, here is a preacher present who heard you deliver
in Bristol a few days ago a sermon which he much ad-
mired ; but when I pressed for a sketch of it, he said
he could not recall or relate it. But, sir, I will call in
my gardener. * * * John, did
you hear Mr. last Sunday ?" " Yes, sir." " Did
he not preach from such a text ?" " He did, sir." " Do
you remember anything of the sermon ?" John,, af-
ter a little reflection, replied, " Why, sir, he introduced
the subject by observing what a difference there was
between pretension and reality in religion, that there
may be a form of knowledge and a form of god-
liness without the power, and how necessary it was to
remember and be able to distinguish this, especially
with regard to ourselves. He then said the text con-
KEY. JOHN FOSTER. 41
tained three things. These he stated and severally ex-
plained. He then called upon us to examine ourselves,
and I shall never forget (it thrills through me now)
how he closed with Bunyan's words, ' Lo, I saw there
is a way to hell by the gate of heaven.' "
But though Mr. Foster despised the usual order and
arrangement, yet he did not leave things general and
indefinite in their bearings ; and there was often a
pointed force and appropriateness of reflection, which
seemed suddenly called forth without design, and which
fell terribly on the conscience. This may be seen in
the Lectures which have been published ; for though
they are posthumous, and none of them were entirely
the discourses which he delivered, they fail not to give
a just impression of his usual preaching. They also
show (though too sparingly) that he held what are
commonly called the peculiar doctrines of the Grospel.
Of these doctrines, as a Christian, he felt the truth and
importance ; yet not sufficiently by believing to enter
into rest, and feel that peace which passeth all under-
standing, keeping his heart and mind through Christ
Jesus; or fully to enjoy the blessedness of the people
who know the joyful sound, and walk all day in the
light of the Lord's countenance. His mind seemed
too much surrounded with gloomy, rather than cheer-
ful, images ; nothing appeared to satisfy him, in civil
or religious concerns ; and he commonly was not in-
dulged with the peculiar associations which well suited
and pleased his mind and heart.
It is needless to speak of his endowments, which
have become so generally known from his works, and
so justly rated. His Essays have excited universal ad-
miration, anc have obtained for him a very high and
42 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION'S OF CHARACTER.
established position, in the estimation of all readers of
judgment and taste. These Essays first came to my
hand on the morning of a day devoted to rural jaunt-
ing and recreation ; and though I was bound to be at-
tentive to my companions, and was always fond of
natural scenery, (some fine specimens of which we
were visiting,) yet, having opened the work in the car-
riage, I was tempted to go astray more than once in
the day, to dip into the contents, which I could not
leave until the morrow.
Mr. "Wllberforce thought his Essay on Popular Ig-
norance much inferior to its predecessors ; others have
thought the same. I confess I could never see any
reason for this. But priority has here an advantage ;
and if an author does not surpass in a second attempt,
he is supposed to come short of himself. The Lectures,
without being sermons or expositions, abound with
thought ; but the reflections are to subtile, or profound,
for the seizure of common attention or intellect ; and
what degree of impression or effect did they produce ?
I love not to draw comparisons between good and
great men, but I have commonly thought he was supe-
rior to his illustrious contemporary ; not in every re-
spect, by any means, especially in learning, and compo-
sition, and eloquence, but in a kind of unlabored pene-
tration, an iron grasp and hold of whatever he seized,
a bottomless profundity of thought, and a fulness of
all kinds and degrees of illustration, nothing of which
ever seemed derived ab extra, but all springing from
his treasures within. And I found, when in Scotland,
that Dr. Chalmers and others conceded the same partial
pre-eminence.
I have sometimes thought of the one as having
REV. JOHN FOSTER, 43
more genius, and the other more judgment ; the one as
having more comprehensiveness of mind, the .other
more force and condensation ; the one having more of
intuition, the other of acquirement ; the one more dis-
cursive, the other more consecutive; the one more dis-
tinguished by depth, the other by height. But all this
is of little significance ; they were both great and ex-
traordinary men ; I knew enough of each to feel com-
petent to describe them perfectly ; and, if they were to.
be weighed, I should strive to hold the scales.
It is worthy of observation that, though Mr. Hall,
as a preacher, was so much more popular than Mr.
Foster, (we were always hearing of the one, and scarce-
ly ever of the other,) yet, since the decease of both,
quotations from the sermons (I mean the unpublished)
of the former are seldom to be met with ; extracts and
whole skeletons from the ordinary preaching of the
latter have been, and continue to be, in various modes
multiplied.
In (rod's hand it is to make great, and to give
strength " of every kind" to all; and superior talents
are never given in vain. They have their use and
their value ; but, lest we should idolize them, and
think them essential, we often have them (unlike the
instances before us) unassociated with piety, and God
doing his work without them, "that the excellency of
the power may be of him, and not of them." Admired,
therefore, and valuable, in their way, as natural and
acquired endowments and attainments are, they are
not grace; and Paul would say to us, " Covet earnest-
ly the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more ex-
cellent way." Many without splendid endowments
have been the power of God to save, and will have to
44 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
present a number of converts, their joy and crown, in
the day of the Lord Jesus. How lamentable is it to
reflect how little this master-genius effected, at least
in the higher species of good ; and how every religious
interest he served was diminished, rather than in-
creased, by his labors !
The biography of Scripture is impartial, and faith-
fully records the errors and miscarriages of God's great-
est and dearest servants ; and need we, should we, over-
look the errors and imperfections of wise and good men
now? especially when they have excellences which
will bear a gentle censure without snuffing them out ?
And is not this the more necessary where persons are
elevated, and their example the more likely to be seen
and influential; where morals, like fashions, always
work downwards? We should not readily concede
the dispensableness of attending on the means of grace
and ordinances of religion to any. Man is not purely
intellectual, nor is reason the only attribute of his na-
ture. His mind must be approached through the me-
dium of sense ; and his fellowship with things unseen
and eternal must be maintained, or aided, by those
which are seen and temporal. And those eminent de-
grees of the divine life which some might suppose ren-
der attendance in the sanctuary and at the Lord's Table
needless, always attach the possessor more to them.
But, if some individuals could supply the place of such
attendance from their own stores, yet it is otherwise
with the mass of persons. Without these excitements
and advantages, the very appearance of religion would
soon cease among them. Therefore, how desirable
and dutiful is it that we should sanction and enforce
such usages, even for the sake of the public welfare, by
REV. JOHN FOSTER. 45
our own example. However defective the public ser-
vices may be, they conduce to some profit. Nothing
tends so much, to socialize, and civilize, and to produce
decorum and cleanliness : so that by the want of these
you may always infer the spiritual destitution of a neigh-
borhood.
When residing in the vicinage of Bristol, and dis-
engaged from office, Mr. Foster usually heard Mr.
Hall, (and what marvel?) but no other minister; nor,
I believe, did he even then commune at Broadmead ;
and, when residing for some time at Burton-on-the-
"Water he always heard the pastor, yet left the table
of the Lord ; and Mr. (Coles) complained, and
said what a distress it occasioned to himself, and what
a stumbling-block it proved in the way of some of the
members. I presume (but I am not certain) that in
the several places where he officiated as the pastor
himself he administered the Lord's Supper ; but, as to
the other ordinance, he never dispensed it, or attended
the administration; and, in several attempts, Mr.
Hughes, his most familiar friend, assured me, he never
could get him to express himself upon the subject ; but
had a full persuasion that with the Friends he did not
believe in the perpetuity of water baptism.
I never knew a person (with the exception of Man-
deville and Rochefoucault) who had such views of the
badness and depravity of human nature. He seemed
to regard it as a mass of entire corruption, and espec-
ially of aversion in everything towards God ; so that
he saw nothing in it capable of being altered, or im-
proved into something better; and religion was not
with him a transformation, by the renewing of the
mind, but a perfect production and substitution of
46 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
other powers, through the power of God. His views
also of ministerial and missionary labors, far from
being sanguine, were scarcely hopeful ; and his expec-
tation of a better state of things did not arise from the
blessing of God on the use of the means we possess,
but from an express interposition of almightiness coer-
cing its effects.
And who can commend his wish to break up all
church institutions and orders, leaving religion to in-
dividual influence and exertion. ? Or at most to do-
mestic? ' In several of these things he was joined and
aided by another remarkable and talented character,
a member of my congregation, Mr. Thomas Parsons,
of whom I have spoken in my published funeral ser-
mon.
But is it wise to abandon the present methods of
doing good, because of their defectiveness, instead of
gradually endeavoring to improve them ? Who knows
what may be the result between the giving up of the
old means and the establishment and prevalence of the
new ; for the change may not be easily, and therefore
not speedily accomplished; and who can be certain
of its greater benefit and usefulness ? We actually
know what is now doing, and may hope for greater
things than these, by the blessing of God upon our
wise and active use of our present instrumentalities.
" To him that hath shall be given, and he shall have
more abundance ; but from him that hath not shall be
taken away even that which he seemeth to have?'
Mr. Foster, though great in all his productions, ap-
pears to me greatest in his Reviews. The more I read
them, the more I am astonished at the quickness and
clearness of his perceptions ; the power of his dis-
EEV. JOHN FOSTEE. 47
crimination ; his detection of sophistry ; his love of
fairness, rectitude, and truth; his sly, yet just sar-
casms ; his stinging satire ; his abomination of pedant-
ry and pretence. Nor is my admiration abated by
comparison, when I read the contributions of Macau-
lay, Jeffrey, and Macintosh; and nothing surprises
me more than that the purchase of the two volumes
of his contributions has not been rapid and extensive
enough to induce the editor to send forth the large re-
mainder, now shut up in the Eclectic Review.
But the production of his pen the most spiritually
important, and the most adapted to awaken the con-
science and to urge the heart to Grod, (perhaps, too,
the best written,) is the Essay prefixed to Dr. Dod-
dridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. Why
is not this more known ? Why is it not published
separately ?
Yet, as to himself, the choice of that work for this
prefix (for the subject was at his option) was remark-
able. As in scenery he could not endure the old
forms in which gardens were laid out, in squares, and
parterres, and yew-trees cut into formal figures, but
something bordering on rude, in which nature was
seen rather than art ; something rather wild than neat-
ly cultured ; ever yielding freshness and having no
bounds. So it was as to his taste with regard to pub-
lications ; especially also as to the commencement of
religion. He conceived that it began by some one
powerful emotion or impression, and never from any
plan or scheme laid out in long and regular perspec-
tive. He would say, " I love a scene in which nature
keeps much in her own hands."
Mr. Cottle (Foster's friend, and, I am happy to say,
4:8- PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
my own also) once showed me a letter of Mr. Foster's,
concerning this prefixed Essay. It may be curious and
gratifying to subjoin a copy. It will serve, as the re-
ceiver remarked, to show the complex motives and
manner in which important productions originate and
are perfected.
" MY DEAR SIR, Dr. Chalmers some three years since started a
plan of reprinting, in a neat form, a number of respectable religious
works, of the older date, with a Preliminary Essay to each, relating
to the book, or to any analogous topic, at the "writer's discretion.
The Glasgow booksellers, Chalmers and Collins, the one the Doctor's
brother, and the other his most confidential friend, have according-
ly reprinted a series of perhaps now a dozen -works, -with essays, sev-
eral by Dr. Chalmers, and several by Irving, one by "Wilberforce, one
by Daniel Wilson, &e., &c. I believe Hall and Cunningham have
promised their contributions. I was inveigled into a similar promise
more than two years since. The work strongly urged on me for
this service in the first instance was Dodd'ridge's " Rise and Prog-
ress ;" and the contribution was actually promised to be furnished
with the least possible delay; on the strength of which the book
was immediately printed off, and has actually been lying in their
warehouse as dead stock these two years. I was admonished and
urged again and again ; but, in spite of the mortification and shame
which I could not but feel at thus occasioning the publisher's cer-
tain positive loss, my horror of writing, combined with ill health,
invincibly prevailed, and not a paragraph was written till towards
the end of last year, when I did summon resolution for the attempt.
When I had Avritten but a few page's, the reluctant labor was iiiter-
rupted and suspended by the more interesting one of writing thoso
letters to our dear young friend, your niece (Miss Saunders). Eot,
of course, that this latter employment did not allow me time enough
for the other ; but by its more lively interest it had the effect of
augmenting my disinclination to the other. Soon after her removal,
I resumed the task, and am ashamed to acknowledge such a misera-
ble and matchless slowness of mental operation that the task held
me confined ever since, till actually within these few days. I be-
lieve that nothing but a strong sense of the duty of fulfilling my
engagement, and of not continuing to do a real injury to the pub-
EEV. JOHN FOSTEE. 49
listers, could have constrained me to so long a labor. It is most
mortifying to think of so slender a result of so much time and toil.
The article is, indeed, of the length of one half of Doddi-idge's book ;
but many of my contemporary makers of sentences would have pro-
duced as much with one fifth part of the time and labor. I have
aimed at great correctness and condensation, and have found the
labor of revisal and transcription not very much less than that of
the substantial composition. The thing has been prolonged, I should
say spun out, to three times the length which was at first intended,
or was required. It has very little reference to the book which it
accompanies, has no special topic, and is merely a serious inculca-
tion of the necessity of religion on young persons and men of the
world. In point of merit, (that, you know, is the word in such
matters,) I rate it very moderately, except in respect to correct-
ness and clearness of expression. If it do not possess these quali-
ties, a vast deal of care and labor has been sadly thrown away. I
suppose the thing is just about making up, to be sent from the pub-
lisher's warehouse. I shall have a little parcel of copies, and shall
presume to request the acceptance of one in Dighton-street.
" My dear Sir, I am absolutely ashamed to have been led into this
length of what is no better than egotism, when I was meaning just
five lines, to tell what has detained me from the pleasure of seeing
you.
" My dear Sir,
" Tours most truly,
" JOHN FOSTER."
3
LADY MAXWELL AND THE REV.
JOHN WESLEY.
I HAVE mentioned in another place my meeting
with Lady Maxwell in Bristol, and her engaging me
to preach at Hope Chapel, at the Hotwells. (1789.)
This place of worship had been founded, and the
cause advanced, by Lady Hope and Lady Glenorchy.
The former (whose name it bears) died before its com-
pletion. This was also the case with her successor,
Lady G-lenorchy, on whose death it came into the
hands of Lady Maxwell. She finished it, and opened
it for the service of God ; and had it supplied for some
time by a succession of ministers, and managed by a
selection of gentlemen from the several congregations
in Bristol, two of whom in succession always attended
on the Sabbath, to arrange the affairs of the infant in-
terest. But this plan was soon found very inconven-
ient and troublesome. It seemed desirable that the
place should have a fixed minister. The trial Avas
made, and it commenced with the Reminiscent.
Lady Maxwell was a very holy and pious woman,
with a considerable tinge of enthusiasm in her constitu-
tion. Her Memoirs have been published in two volumes.
Some of her religious views -were peculiar, or .not easily
explained. She had a notion of communing \v ; t>> the
LADY MAXWELL AND THE REV. JOHN WESLEY. 51
Persons in the Divine Nature individually and sepa-
rately, i. e., one day more particularly, if not exclusive-
ly, with the Father, another with the Son, and a third
with the Holy Grhost. Has not Dr. Owen a little
verged toward this in his work on communion with
God ? But here it was not only admitted, but plead-
ed for, as of great importance, and reaching the very
acme of Christian experience.
Her ladyship was peculiarly attached to Mr. Wesley.
Her doctrines, unless in the above articles, accorded
entirely with his ; but as these were not precisely the
sentiments of the two foundresses of the place, who
were Presbyterians, she determined it should not be
said that she availed herself of her privilege to intro-
duce them ; and, by a very scrupulous delicacy, ad-
mitted none of Wesley's preachers to officiate there,
and not even himself.
The place had not been long opened when I undertook
the service. A congregation was to be raised. Though
young and immature, my labors were acceptable and
useful ; and while there, the Lord gave me three con-
verts, all of whom entered the ministry and labored
well. Here I remained for near twelve months ; and,
being pressed by her ladyship as well as the congrega-
tion, here I should perhaps have continued, but for a
dispute with a good female whom her ladyship left to
manage the secular concerns of the place. It regard-
ed her interfering with the ecclesiastical also. In this
disagreement we were both 'to blame. Two things I
learned from it,
First, To prefer the government of females in the
family rather than in the church ; and,
Secondly, To observe on what slender things often.
52 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTEK.
hinge the most important events of our lives. This
disagreement determined me to accept the invitation I
had just then received from Bath.
During my stay at Hope Chapel, I had the honor
and pleasure of dining at her Ladyship's house "with
the venerable Mr. Wesley. He kindly noticed me,
and inquired after Mr. "Winter, adding, " Cornelius is
an excellent man." This was the more candid, as Mr.
Winter, in a letter, a copy of which I have, had testi-
fied freely against some of Mr. Wesley's opinions. At
the first interview there were in the company the Rev.
Mr. More, one of Mr. Wesley's biographers, and sev-
eral other preachers in his connection ; and among
these was a Captain Webb, deprived of one eye at the
battle of Bunker's Hill, who held forth commonly
without doors in regimentals. As I wished to hear
Mr. Wesley talk, nothing could be more mortifying
than the incessant garrulity of this fanatical rhodomon-
tacler ; and I much wondered Mr. Wesley, who had
such influence over his adherents, did not repress, or
at least rebuke, some of his spiritual vagaries and su-
pernatural exploits. Did this master in Israel think it
harmless to tolerate a kind of visionary agency, and
suppose that it was little for the common people to
believe too much rather than too little ?
At my second interview, among others was the Eev.
Mr. Easterbrook, the vicar of Temple parish ; one of
the best men I ever knew ; and at whose death, it is
said, some respectful notice was taken of him in every
pulpit in the city. He denied himself to an extreme
to give to him that needeth, and was always going
about doing good. As evidential of his liberality of
mind, as well as of heart, when Mr. Hoskins, a dissent-
LADY MAXWELL AND THE REV. JOHN WESLEY. 53
ing minister, opened for preaching a large room in his
extensive parish, he himself attended the opening ;
and embracing him before the people as he came out
of the pulpit, he said,-" I thank you, my brother, for
coming to my aid." This very good man (for so he
was) erred a little on the side of credulity and super-
stition. A few weeks before, an extraordinary service,
with fasting and prayer, had been held in his church,
attended by several ministers in the Methodist connec-
tion, to dispossess a supposed demoniac. This was
John Lukins, who had exhibited some strange appear-
ances, and uttered some kind of singular sounds, which
his friends were unable physically to account for. The
man was present at the service, and the spirit supposed
to be in him was addressed, and in the name of Christ
was ordered to come out of him. After some shrieks
and contortions he became gentle, and exhibited no-
thing more of his former malady. I knew the man
afterwards, and more than once relieved him. The
case naturally excited even public attention, and gave
rise to several pamphlets ; the chief of which was writ-
ten by an eminent surgeon in Bath, in whose native
place Lukins was born.
I should not have related this, but it unfortunately
engrossed the conversation for nearly the whole of the
afternoon, and because, to my great surprise, Mr. Wes-
ley seemed to admit the reality of the possession and
dispossession, and to consider it as nothing less than a
wonderful work of God. After tea I went with him
in his carriage into Bristol, and heard him preach from
Ephes. v. 8 " Ye were sometimes darkness, but now
are ye light in the Lord ; walk as children of light."
It was the only opportunity I ever had of hearing this
54 PBACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHABACTEB.
truly apostolical man. The whole scene was very pic-
turesque and striking : several preachers stood in the
large pulpit around him ; the sermon was short, the
language terse and good, but entirely devoid of ex-
pansion and imagery, while the delivery was low and
unanimated. This surprised me. "Was it the influence
and effect of age ? If it was originally the same, how
came he to be so popular among the rude multitudes
which always attended him, and so hung upon his
lips? Whitfield's voice and vehemence, and strong
emotions, will in some measure account for the im-
pressions he produced, even regardless of the grace of
God which accompanied them. How popular and
useful was Berridge ! yet he had nothing of the vul-
gar orator in his manner ; it was plain and unimpas-
sioned. This was the case also with, many of the orig-
inal corps of evangelists.
HOLMES, ESQ.
WITH this gentleman I became intimately acquaint-
ed early in my ministry. He then resided at Ide, in
the vicinage of Exeter. He had good natural talents ;
was well educated ; read the Scriptures familiarly in
their original languages ; and could speak French flu-
ently. He was also, without assuming the ministerial
office, occasionally a preacher. For though he had re-
tired from merchandise, in which Grod had prospered
him, he did not consider himself as thereby justified
in living a life of ease and indolence ; but as the more
bound (as in some respects the more able) to do good ;
and to serve his own generation according to the will
of Grod, especially in their spiritual interests.
He possessed an ample fortune, kept his carriage,
and lived in a genteel style becoming his circum-
stances ; but expended nothing in gay extravagance,
and saved up nothing by sordid hoarding. He view-
ed himself as a steward, used his property as a talent,
and kept in mind the day of account.
I pass by his private benefactions, in which he never
sought to be seen of men, to notice two or three things
of a more public nature, by which being dead he yet
speaketh; and in which, I hope, he may be instructive
and exemplary.
56 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
Observing the people in the villages so exceedingly
ignorant and irreligious, he found out individuals of
good character and decent capacity, and employed
them as schoolmasters during the week, and as preach-
ers on the Sabbath, and supported them at his own
expense. He was the means of re-opening some meet-
ings which error had shut up, of repairing others that
were decaying, and of enlarging others that had be-
come too small.
He erected, exclusively at his own cost, a large and
commodious chapel at Teignmouth ; and principally,
if not entirely, supported it for some years. When he
resolved on this, there were no pious individuals in the
place. I only remember (and I had opportunities of
knowing) one person who made any pretension to se-
rious religion. And here I differed from my friend,
thinking that, in all cases of this kind, we should first
make trial of the will of Grod, and see if there is a dis-
position to hear, and then build. But the founder
said he was strongly impressed with the importance
of the measure, and was fully persuaded in due time
much good would be done by means of it. His ex-
pectation, however, was not immediately accomplish-
ed. Some years passed before there was any consid-
erable appearance of success. It must, indeed, be al-
lowed that, for a good while, the preaching was not
much suited to the station, or adapted to convert or to
edify. But in process of time things changed for the
better ; a good congregation was raised, and the church
made to prosper, and continues to be a flourishing in-
terest. I preached at the opening. My subjects were,
Psalm xciii. 5, " Holiness becorneth thine house, O
Lord, forever," and 1 Sam. i. 13, "Now Hannah she
HOLMES, ESQ. 57
spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her
voice was not heard ; therefore Eli thought she had
been drunken."
Owing to its being opened on the Lord's day, min-
isters could not attend without leaving their own
places. One brother only was there, but he took no
part in the service, except the introductory prayer.
Being a hypochondriac he had left his pastoral office.
I never had the pleasure of seeing him again. But I
heard afterwards of his misfortune, shall I call it ?< or
happiness ? He was a man of sober years, and was
going to be conjugated to a dame of discretion ; but
happening to pass a fortnight with her at the house of
a relation previously to their union, they gained such
a mutual increase of knowledge, as induced them to
be satisfied to remain in statu quo.
The first six sabbaths I remained to officiate. Mr.
Holmes himself preached in the afternoon, and I in the
morning and evening. We came from his house on
the Saturday, and returned on the Monday. Our ac-
commodations were always at the inn.
Mr. Holmes had children by his first wife, but they
all died young. His second wife was the daughter of
the Eector of "W n. She had then two brothers in
the church, evangelical preachers, but afterwards turn-
ed away from the truth. I trust she was a good
woman ; but though she had married a rich Dissenter,
her heart was left behind. I could perceive, the six
weeks I resided in the house, that she did not relish
what her husband was doing out of the Establishment ;
and I foresaw what would be the consequence if she
survived him. The event took place, and the appre-
hension was realized. It is desirable when persons
3*
58 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
marry, to marry as much, as possible in their own re-
ligious community. To justify a contrary course two
things are at least necessary.
First. That they hold the sentiments in which they
differ with moderation, and feel them, to be subordi-
nate; and,
Secondly. That they consent to attend the same place
of worship. "Worshipping together cherishes and pro-
motes social and devout affections ; and has a lively
and favorable effect upon children and servants.
"What evil consequences have I often seen arising from
husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, always re-
pairing to separate sanctuaries, or worshipping alter-
nately at different places !
I do not herein condemn myself. I married the
daughter of a clergyman, but there was no separation
in our devotions, or differences in the training of our
children. We united with each other much more as
Christians, than Episcopalians and Dissenters; and
never had we, in a long and happy union, one word of
discord, or even dispute.
I happened, in my way to the opening of a Meeting-
house at Tavistock, to spend a week at Painton. The
people at Teignmouth hearing of this sent a deputa-
tion to urge me to preach for them on the following
Sabbath, as it was the very day of my opening their
sanctuary thirty years before. This I did, and was
pleased to see the state of things so prosperous and
promising. Two days after, when I had reached Tot-
ness, as the chaise was at the door to take me forward
to Tavistock > I was recalled home by a messenger an-
nouncing the apprehended death of my youngest
daughter, whom I had left perfectly well. I was only
HOLMES, ESQ. 59
in time to see her expire. How much do times and
places derive from association and recollection ! What
have been my feelings in passing through Totness
since !
To proceed with this Reminiscence : On my return
from the dedication of the chapel at Teignmouth to
Bath, Mr. Holmes brought me in his carriage as far as
Taunton, where I took coach. He had made engage-
ments for me to preach in my way back at Ohudleigh,
Tiverton, "Wellington, and Taunton. At Taunton I
preached for Mr. Reader, then the Tutor of the West-
ern Academy. He was a very pious and spiritual
man ; but had for some time past been led inordinately
to the study of the Revelation of St. John. His wife
assured me, that sometimes for near an hour at a time
would he be agonizing with Grod in prayer, when he
found difficulties in the Book, and could get no satisfac-
tion from human authors. Hence he too much conclud-
ed that what came into his mind after these prayers was
the meaning of the Holy Grhost, and this made him too
positive in his interpretations. As out of the abun-
dance of the heart the mouth speaketh, his reference
to the Apocalypse was almost incessant. My friend
apprized me of this addiction, and desired me to ob-
serve, as we were approaching his house, how long it
would be before he brought forth his favorite topic.
Within a quarter of an hour, the name of Mr. Newton
was incidentally mentioned; when he said, "Ah, Mr.
Newton is a very good man, but God will correct him
before his death." Wherefore? it was asked. "Be-
cause of his indifference," said he, "to wards the bless-
ed Book of Revelation." I asked wherein he had
shown this indifference. " Sir," said he, " when I had
60 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
?v
finished my exposition of that Book, I sent Mm a copy
for his acceptance, and begged his opinion of the work ;
and this," said he, pulling his letter out of his bureau, "is
his answer." "'Dear Sir, I am much obliged by
your kindness in sending me the volume on the Apoc-
alypse ; but you must excuse me for not criticizing
the contents, for which I have neither leisure nor
ability. I hope Grod has for some years given me a
word in season for him that is weary, but he has not
given a capacity to open the seals, I am, &c., John
Newton.' "
ISFow, I do not go the length of South, nor admire
the unhallowed wit that says, " The Revelation al-
ways finds a man mad, or leaves him so ;" yet we may
learn from this good man ; and what I say concerning
him, I speak as with affection, so I speak only what I
could verify. This kind of prophetical zeal gave a
kind of new and unhappy turn to his preaching. It
injuriously affected the congregation
"The hungry sheep look'd up and were not fed ;"
and sinners heard less of repentance towards God, and
faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, than before.
We are not ignorant of his devices who is not only
the accuser of the brethren, but the tempter too. Had
he addressed this excellent man with anything ob-
viously erroneous or sinful, he would have said, " Gret
thee behind me, Satan." But it was otherwise when
he approached him in a sacred attire, with the Bible
in his hand, and this text in his mouth, " Blessed is
he that readeth, and they that understand the words
of this prophecy."
i HOLMES, ESQ. 61
"Would it not be well if professors, and especially
preachers, were not only to think of the difficulty (not
to say impossibility) of deciding many things in dis-
pute but remember their little value comparatively if
demonstrated, "What is the chaff to the wheat?"
After preaching for this good old man, and returning
into his house, he said, " Sir, I did not like what you
said of candour this evening." I answered, " I think
I sufficiently guarded it, and distinguished it from in-
difference with regard to essential truth." " Sir," said
he, "you. have had many apostates to hear you, and
they will think too favorably of you." While he was
thus speaking Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Toulmin was intro-
duced into the parlor, asking me to preach for him, like
Eobinson, saying, his pulpit was open to all good men.
At this, Mr. Eeader pounced upon me a confirmation
of what he had said; nor did he ask the applicant to
sit down, or even speak to him. And is this the meek-
ness of wisdom ? If we cannot love persons as Chris-
tians, are we to refuse them civilities as men ? Is this
the way to win souls? Not that I was disposed to
preach for him. I never officiated but twice in an Uni-
tarian pulpit; and in each instance I took care not to
be asked under any ignorance of my sentiments. I
said, " The thing with me is not where I preach, but
what I preach. I must speak according to my own
principles. Allow me this liberty and I will comply.
I shall not go out of my way to insult or oppose ; but
I cannot forbear to deliver what iny conscience tells
me I should deliver from the same text in my own -
place."
Having said all that honesty and fairness required,
I spoke with freedom ; but one of the two ministers
62 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
who invited me the first time went out in the middle
of the discourse, and the other before I began had
rather cautiously intimated that "it were, always bet-
ter to avoid abstruse doctrines, and teach our people
how to keep God's commandments and find their way
to heaven." I told him, I always made this my ulti-
mate aim. Yet I felt not at home. I seemed not to
be among my own people, and was not a little embar-
rassed in the intercessory part of my prayer for the
ministers ; for under what character could I pray for
them as Pastors?
I was only once after this coldly asked, and I re-
fused ; for, besides the difficulty I had felt in the per-
formances, I considered how liable it was to miscon-
struction ; and how careful we should be not to offend
against the generation of the upright. Upon the same
principle Mr. Hall acted. He had occasionally, when
he came to Bristol, preached for Mr. B n the Uni-
tarian minister ; but after awhile, with godly prudence,
he declined; and saved from surmise, fear, and dis-
tress, some who, if not his most intelligent, were yet
his most pious and prayerful hearers. The last ser-
mon he preached there was against Atheism !
I see in his Diary, Mr. Toplady (who lived not far
from Exeter), though a beneficed clergyman, was most
cordially intimate with Mr. Holmes. Here I insert
two short extracts taken from Mr. Toplady's Posthu-
mous Volumes, page 279 and 285.
" Spent about an hour and a half with good Mr.
Holmes, whom I found in great distress, on account
of his only surviving son being given over in a fever.
During our interview, Grod so opened my mouth and
so enlarged my heart, that I trust both my friend and
HOLMES, ESQ. 63
myself found our spiritual strength renewed, and were
sensibly and powerfully comforted from above."
u After breakfast, rode to Exeter, where I dined at
Mr. Holmes'. Found that dear and excellent man
not only more resigned to the will of God, but even
more cheerful than I could have conceived. Mrs.
Paul of Topsham, and Mr. Lewis, a worthy Baptist
minister, dined with us. Our conversation at table
was on the best subjects ; and I found our Christian
discussions sensibly blessed to my soul. After tea,
myself and four more followed the remains of Master
Holmes to Cade, about two miles out of the city, where
they were interred. Mr. Cole, curate of the parish,
read the funeral service. I preached a sermon suit-
able to the solemn occasion to a large auditory, and
one " the most attentive ones I ever saw," &c.
WELSH, ESQ.
I AM the more inclined to speak of this good man,
because I believe no account of him, even in a funeral
discourse, has "been published. I can assign no reason
for this ; but, as we proceed in this brief narrative, the
omission will raise our wonder, and show us that the
excellency and usefulness of persons are not to be al-
ways estimated by the noise they make or the notice
they excite at the time. I say " at the time" because
as the thing is only partial, so it is often only tem-
porary. In due season, and in a way which marks
the providence of God, he brings forth their "right-
eousness as the light, and their judgment as the noon-
day." How many of the Nonconformists are now
admired, whose names were even cast out as evil!
When Cowper wrote, he seemed forbidden to mention
Whitfield by name.
" Leuconomus, (beneath well-sounding Greek,
I slur a name a poet must not speak)."
Is there a man now in the kingdom but considers him
an upright, honest man, who lived only to do good ?
But Bunyan ! poor Buiiyan ! that ignoramus,- that fa-
natic, that rebel, that traitor to his country, insulted on
WELSH, ESQ. 65
his trial, infamously condemned, cruelly imprisoned
for twelve long years ; what, where is he now ? His
book is acknowledged the first of allegories, and his
statue is in one of our parliamentary niches !
Good men should be willing to leave their reputa-
tion, like everything else, with God ; and it is well if,
when little is said of them, their works praise them
in the gate. By these "the memory of the just is
blessed."
'Mr. "Welsh was a considerable banker in London.
One of the partners in the firm was Mr. Eogers, the
father of the poet. His wife was a daughter of the
famous Thomas Bradbury, of political, polemic, and
facetious memory ; and she had much of her father's
humor about her. She often mentioned some of his
witticisms. I wish I had recorded them. Two of
them at this moment I just remember. One day,
meeting with a man who was going to push him from
the wall, saying, "I don't choose to give the wall to
every fool I meet," says Mr. Bradbury, " I do, and
so pray take it." Another day he was at the coffee-
house, where several gentlemen were reading the
papers, and one of them having read that, the Sunday
before, a man who was violating the Sabbath fell from
his horse, and fractured his leg and thigh ; upon which
he said, turning to Mr. Bradbury, " I suppose, Mr.
Bradbury, you deem this a Divine judgment if"
" Why, sir," said Mr. Bradbury, "if you deem it a
Divine mercy, we will have no dispute *about it."
The church over which the Keminiscent has so long
and happily presided owed very much to the zeal and
liberality of Mr. "Welsh. He unceasingly nursed it in
its infant state ; and, when it had only a small and
66 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
incommodious place to assemble in, he principally, at
his own expense, fitted up the old Roman Catholic
chapel, which had been left very much in ruins, from
the Protestant riots in 1780. He also, from their hav-
ing only a successional and uncertain supply of preach-
ers, recommended to them an able pastor, who could
feed them with knowledge and understanding, and en-
gaged to support him till the congregation should be
capable of bearing the burden themselves.
Mr. Welsh commonly passed some weeks, if riot
months, annually in Bath ; and nothing in these visits
afforded him more pleasure than to observe the cause
he had so patronized increasing and prospering ; and
this was the case even after the loss of my predecessor,
the Eev. Thomas Tuppen, whom he had introduced,
and especially after the opening of our new chapel in
Argyle-street, and which even then required to be en
larged.
But this was not all, but comparatively little, of
what Mr. Welsh accomplished. I was once passing
the evening with him ; he was in a very solemn and
feeling mood ; and after awhile he said, with tears, " I
am growing old, and I ought, and I wish, to do some-
thing more to glorify God, and serve my generation
according to his will, than I have done ; and I have
the means." Several schemes passed under our re-
view ; and at last he mentioned what (as I entirely ap-
proved of) I did all in my power to enforce. I will
simply specify the case.
At this time our countay was in a state very differ-
ent from its present condition. It was generally under
the greatest of all curses, the curse of an unregenerate
ministry, especially in the smaller towns and villages,
WELSH, ESQ. 67
where many of the people, though in a land of vision,
and with an Established Church, were jet perishing
for lack of knowledge.
We, therefore, thought (for it was the King's busi-
ness, and required haste) that it was desirable imme-
diately to search out, and educate, a number of young
men of gifts and grace for the ministry, and place them
in a kind of domestic academies. These seminaries
were not to be in opposition to any larger and higher
establishments, but rather in addition to them. They
were to give these young men a less literary training,
but a more theological and practical ; or with a fuller
reference principally, though not exclusively, to di-
vinity and preaching. These students were to be
placed for some years under the care of ministers of
piety, experience, and competent learning, residing in
separate localities ; and where they could be, even
during their tuition, employed in teaching the poor,
and ignorant, and vicious ; and, while employed, to
be also improved, and actually prepared for their work,
like those who are taught to run by running, and to
walk by walking, and not by mere rule and lesson.
Of seven tutors, Mr. Welsh chose three, engaging to
support several students under each. Cornelius Win-
ter was one of them. He had, indeed, been engaged
in such work before, though without any regular and
certain provision for expense, like Professor Frant, at
Wells, in his work of faith and labor of love.
The Eeminiscent was not one of Mr. Welsh's stu-
dents, but belonged to an earlier class, ur der Mr. Win-
ter's care, and principally supported by John Thorn-
ton, Esq., Sir Eichard Hill, and others.
Mr. Welsh married a second time, late in life, the
68 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
half-sister of Dr. Evans of Bristol. He lived to a good
old age, and died very suddenly. I had preached be-
fore him in the morning, from the words of our Lord
to the Church of Ephesus " To him that overcometh
will I grant to sit with me on my throne." It was
the last sermon he heard ; and, one hour after, rising
from dinner to return thanks, he fell down upon the
floor, and expired :
" A soul prepared needs no delays ;
The summons comes, the saint obeys ;
Swift was his flight, and short the road,
He closed his eyes, and woke with God !"
To conclude this brief and imperfect memoir. "We
read of "the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burn-
ing." This is a fine and an advantageous union ; fer-
vor enlightens prudence, and prudence qualifies fervor.
Therefore, says the Apostle, " let your love abound
yet more and more in all knowledge and in all judg-
ment." As if he should say, " Be not weary in well-
doing, but in your benevolence exercise discretion as
to time, and place, and means, and manner ; and as
your ability is always but small, endeavor to make a
little go a great way." I cannot but think a more ju-
dicious course of usefulness could not have been chosen
than that which Mr. Welsh encouraged ; and, though
some were disposed to blow upon it at first, and though
more may now deem it too humble for modern Dissent,
how many opportunities have I had, and thousands
more, of witnessing its blessed eifects, in turning sin-
ners from darkness to light, of evangelizing heathen
neighborhoods, and even in forming congregations,
WELSH, ESQ. 69
whose beginning, indeed, was small, but whose latter
end greatly increased !
And here, without the least wish to check or under-
value superior degrees of literary attainment, may not
the Beminiscent be allowed to ask a few questions ?
Is there no distinction between an educated and a
learned ministry ? If (and the Apostle says, " Christ
sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Grospel"), if
the chief design of the ministry is to preach, and faith
cometh by hearing, should not everything in the prep-
aration be made to bear principally upon it ? And is
this unceasingly and obviously the case in all our ex-
isting institutions ? Are mathematical and classical
acquirements, especially in their higher degrees, equal-
ly necessary in all stations, and for all teachers ? Are
there not cases in which these distinctions may rela-
tively even disqualify, more than help ; first, by their
aptness to draw away the preacher too much into the
pursuit of things in which he excels, and in which,
therefore, he delights ? and, secondly, by betraying him
into a manner of address less intelligible, familiar, and
impressive, to the mass of his audience ? Is not a
minister of the Gospel to be the teacher of religion,
the subjects of which are matter of pure testimony
and not of reasoning, and therefore little depending on
talent and science ; for " by faith we stand" ? Is there
no difference in the department of preparation between
a kingdom which is " not of this world," and one which
is ? Is the minister to be laboriously qualified to meet
the casual intellectual few, rather than the certain many,
that may attend his teaching? Is the church the
proper and express sphere for the highest cultivation
of genius and literature ? Or for studying and striv-
70 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
ing for degrees and titles derived from the arts and
sciences ? Far be it from the Eeminiscent to domineer
or dictate ; but may he not again ask, Is there any
mode of address so little likely to be popularly useful
as that of a dry, cold intellectuality ? Is there no dif-
ference between the press and the pulpit ? May not
that which is proper for the one be unsuitable for the
other ? Is there no difference between a treatise and
a sermon ? I will buy the former, if it be published,
and read it with pleasure ; but I will never hear the
latter, if I know it. Can a discourse adapted to gen-
eral improvement safely admit more than a certain
portion of intelligence and argument ? Can that be
felt that is not understood ? And that carried away
which is not portable? And is there no danger of
rendering the Scriptures in tune a mere book for criti-
cism, and to be treated scientifically, without regard-
ing it for the sole purpose for which it was given, to
guide our feet into the path of life, and to answer the
inquiry, " What must I do to be saved?"
But to return. Let us redeem our time, and use our
resources and abilities, whatever they may be ; and
let us never forget that, if we have not ten talents, we
have one, and that the man with one talent was the
unprofitable servant, and therefore the wicked servant,
and therefore the punished servant. He hid his talent
in a napkin. And let us see what a single individual
may accomplish, when (as it is said of the builders at
the Temple) he has a mind to work. What good did
this man effect by the natural and simple instrument-
ality which he set in motion? Why, "there is joy
in the presence of the angels of Grod over one sinner
that repenteth." He that saves one soul from death
WELSH, ESQ. 71
does more than lie who rescues a country from civil
bondage. And how many were here turned from the
error of their way, and made partakers of that " god-
liness which is profitable unto all things, having prom-
ise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is
to come !" Yes ; and how extensive was the good done
to all these ! for it not only saved their souls, but
blessed their bodies, and the labor of their hands, and
their relations and families. And, then, how perpetu-
ated was this good ! The subjects of it themselves
were the medium of it to others; and now, even 'now,
it is operating in various influences and effects, and
will continue to operate till the last day.
And by what was he rendered most a benefactor ?
Bv the consecration of a measure of his substance to
tx
the service of his Grod and Saviour. One is almost
afraid to speak in favor of money, lest avarice should
hail the remark, and capture the praise, and apply it
to perverted purposes. But, the truth is, that while
the love of money is the root of all evil, the use of it
may be made the root of all good. In one respect, it
is the most important of all agencies, because it can
employ in its service all other instrumentalities labor,
genius, eloquence, learning, and even piety itself. The
lawful acquisition of it, therefore, should never be neg-
lected ; a penny of it should never be wasted ; nor a
farthing of it be sordidly or needlessly hoarded up.
" Charge them," says the Apostle, " that are rich in
this world, that they do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate."
Again, he says, "To do good, and to communicate, for-
get not, for with such sacrifices Grod is well pleased."
Thus did Mr. Welsh. He was in a good degree his
72 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
own executor, and had the satisfaction to see the seed
he had sown ripened and reaped. ISTor was it a small
sum which he only in this one instance employed in
defraying the expenses of the tuition and boarding of
such a number of students from year to year.
But what shall we say of some, yes, even professors
of religion, who perhaps began with little, accumulated
much, did nothing with their abundance while they
lived, and secured by their accursed treasures the' de-
pravity and destruction of their descendants when they
died! Shame be to those pliant ministers who, in
compliment to their connections, will preach funeral
sermons for such characters, unless they take for
their text, " But whoso hath this world's goods, and
seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels
of compassion from him ; how dwelleth the love of
Grod in him ?" There are two suppositions concerning
these men. The first is awful, and we shrink back
from it. " Lo, this is the man that made not God his
trust, but trusted in the multitude of his riches."
"With these words," say the Jewish Eabbi, "the an-
gels sing down to hell the soul of the wealthy sinner,
when it leaves his body." "We do not believe this ;
we have a better opinion of those heavenly beings
than to suppose they rejoice and sing at the misery
of any creature, though they may acquiesce in it.
But says Young
" Hell's loudest laugh the thought of dying rich."
The second is perplexing. It regards the suppo-
sition, (how hard to be realized !) that those persons
who die in such affluence are received up into glory.
WELSH, ESQ. 73
We naturally tliink that grief and shame can never
enter heaven ; and yet Christians are never more
happy here than when they are most ashamed, and
mourn after a godly sort, under a sense of the Divine
goodness. It seems improbable that those saints who
died so rich will then be free from certain reflections.
There is a relation between the present and the future ;
and not a relation of sequence only, but one of cause
and effect ; and " whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
he also reap ; he that soweth to the flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the spirit
shall of the spirit reap life everlasting." No one can
deny that there will be in another world a conscious-
ness of our state and' conduct in this; but the con-
sciousness must affect us according to the nature and
quality of the recollections themselves. In that world
things will be seen clearly and perfectly ; and, in the
morality and holiness of heaven, there must be right-
eousness in our feelings, as well as in our conceptions.
What, then, we should be ready to say, must such an
individual think and feel, when he knows what a
power of every kind of usefulness his wealth gave
him, and remembering what good he neglected to do
with it ; in the poor he might have fed and clothed ;
the children he might have educated ; the academical
institutions he might have endowed; the Grospel he
might have extended ; the souls he might have saved !
And when, in addition to this, he reflects upon the
evil his property is now doing, surrounding his chil-
dren and dependants with temptation, providing for
their evil passions, so much going to the gaming table,
so much in riotous living, so much swallowed up in
the pride of life ; the evil still extending and multi-
4
74 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF' CHARACTER,
plying, and operating in its effects, perhaps, for gene-
rations to come ! and when he remembers, how the
Book he was constantly reading and hearing charged
him to be a good steward of the manifold gifts of Grod!
and when he sees face to face, Him, who, " though he
was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we
through His poverty might be made rich," who was
always going about doing good, and who said, "It is
more blessed to give than to receive," and gave His
life a ransom for us. "We leave the subject, " Con-
sider of it, take advice, and speak your mind"
ROBERT SPEAR, ESQ.
SOME considerable notice of Mr. Spear appeared
after his death in the papers and magazines. There
was also a larger memoir of him by Dr. Raffles in a
quarterly periodical. The writer was very adequate
for such a work, as far as talent was concerned, but
he was not intimately acquainted with the person who
was the subject of it. And when I was in Edinburgh,
where Mr. Spear died, Dr. Stewart, with others, who
all well knew and much esteemed him, wished a fuller
and more particular account of him could be sent
forth ; and desired the Reminiscent to undertake it ;
but this he declined from some peculiar circumstances
in the family, and also from too much engagement,
and too little leisure and health at the time.
Mr. Spear, under the blessing of Providence, had
risen to affluence by his own exertions and skill. He
was a cotton merchant, residing at Manchester. He
stood very high in the commercial world for ability
and integrity, for fairness and honor. And I remem-
ber a very clever American, who had long known him
and had large dealings with him, saying, that, while
he preferred English merchants to those of any other
nation, he preferred Mr. Spear to any even of his own
nation.
76 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
Having met at Cadiz with a quantity of cotton of a
fine and superior kind, lie very advantageously pur-
chased the whole ; and soon introduced the growth
into Georgia, where he sent and employed an agent
of his own from Manchester to encourage the culture,
and purchase the produce. He loved not speculation,
yet in his line of business it could hardly "be avoided.
He, therefore, laid down this rule for his own govern-
ment therein, that he would keep a certain sum ap-
propriated to this purpose, and that it should be no
more than he thought he could afford to lose, without
injuring liis family or his temper.
"He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be inno-
cent;" and "they that will be rich fall into temptation
and a snare, and into manv foolish and hurtful lusts."
' t/
But when the acquisition of property is not made an
absolute aim, but is a consequence left with the provi-
dence of God, in the discharge of duty, it will not be
found so commonly corruptive and injurious, And
Mr. Spear knew it became him not to be slothful in
business ; and God blessed the labor of his hands.
But as riches increased, he set not his heart upon
them ; but viewed, them as a talent for which he was
responsible, and by which he was "to do good and
to communicate." And who can estimate the measure
and degree of his benevolence and beneficence ? His
bountifulness was impartial. He loved all who loved
our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ; and aided many
institutions and charities which belonged not to his
own immediate connections. His beneficence was also
very extensive. He devised liberal things. He gave
largely to the Bible Society, and to the London Mis-
sionary Society. With regard to the latter, at the first
EGBERT SPEAE, ESQ. 77
public collection at Ms own chapel in Mosley-street,
Manchester, designing it to be secret, he slipped a
300 note into the plate, which was only discovered
accidentally. He contributed generously to several
of our academies for the education of young men for
the ministry, and as (owing to the spiritual destitution
of the people, especially in the villages and smaller
towns) many laymen were engaged in teaching, to
render them more acceptable and useful, he remuner-
ated an able minister to instruct them in the evenings,
as they had leisure ; and even from this humble source
of improvement issued several able preachers, who in
time became pastors of churches.
There was another thing with which I was struck,
(for after my intimate friendship with him I knew
much of his liberal measures,) and I mention it as
rather original as well as exemplary. He looked out
and employed in several parts of the peopled locality
pious men and women whose houses were to be day-
achools to which any children might come, at any
time, as they could be spared from their home or their
labor ; while the owners were to be always present
and ready to teach them.
"While thus going on, Law's " Call to a Devout and
Holy Life" fell into his hands, and unduly impressed
him. The book might be useful, to some, but it may
lead others astray, by not distinguishing things that
differ, as to their order and place in the scheme of the
Gospel. It has too little of evangelism in it, and is
sadly wanting in that "free spirit" by which the sub-
jects of Divine grace are upheld in their goings, and
enabled, with enlarged hearts, to run in the way of his
commandments. It is John preaching the baptism of
78 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
repentance, rather than Jesus proclaiming the glad tid-
ings of the kingdom of God.
Some mistaken zealots, too, at this time, urged him
to leave his secular calling, and dedicate himself en-
tirely to the service of Grod ; as if he was not entirely
serving Him while trading for Grod, and by means of
it doing so much good to men. What we do <by others
is as much our agency as if we did it in our own per-
sons. By nothing can a man be so useful as by prop-
erty, for this enables him to employ every kind of in-
strumentality, even to piety itself. Few, comparatively,
have it in their power to gain substance largely. When,
therefore, a man has the opportunity and the means
of attaining it, he should not needlessly resign it,
amidst so many calls for pecuniary assistance, and es-
pecially if he can trust his benevolent bias. When a
tradesman called upon the rector of St. Mary Wool-
noth, and told him he was going to leave off trade, for
he had gained enough for himself and family.' " Why,
then," said Mr. Newton, " now be the Lord's journey-
man, and carry on business for Him." And says
Isaiah, " Her merchandise and her hire shall be holi-
ness to the Lord ; it shall not be treasured nor laid
up ; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell
before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable
clothing." This is the text from which I should have
preached his funeral sermon had he died at Manches-
ter, but he died at Edinburgh. The title would have
been " The Christian Merchant."
But there were some who pleaded, and in a measure
prevailed, that he should forsooth leave the world, and
go about personally relieving the poor, and consoling
the afflicted, and distributing tracts, and preaching the
ROBERT SPEAR, ESQ. 79
Gospel to souls perishing for lack of knowledge. In.
these excursions he sustained considerable losses in
"business, which he acknowledged afterwards to me
might have been prevented, had he remained at home,
with God's blessing, in his calling.
On two other grounds these erratic efforts were
wrong; for, first, though he was exceedingly quali-
fied for business, he was (not for want of talent, but
suitable talent) as unfit for his new work, especially
teaching. And, secondly, he had a tinge of lowness
of spirits, which required active scenes of employ-
ment, rather than solitude and study, to which he was
much driven by his supposed calls. Accordingly, he
soon began to fall under dejection, which was rapidly
increasing, and from which he was with difficulty ral-
lied by the visit of and travelling with the Beminis-
cent and his wife. Few in doing good ever more ful-
filled the command, "Let not thy left hand know what
thy right hand doeth."
He was generally a man of much reading and re-
serve, so that it was impossible to know the interior
riches of his character but by being much with him,
and observing him when he was a little off his habitu-
al guard. I hardly ever knew a man who seemed to
make so much conscience of his speech. He was cau-
tious and careful in the extreme, not to err or mistake,
especially in relating things which he had heard, and
in speaking of persons. He daily made David's reso-
lution and prayer his own : " I said I will take heed
to my ways, that I offend not with my tongue. Set a
watch upon my mouth, keep the door of my lips."
It was a pleasing trait in his character that he loved
to raise those of low degree ; and to set forward in life
80 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
industrious and deserving individuals. A clerk or a
person in his employment, who for a few years had
acted confidentially, and diligently, and respectfully,
was sure to be aided and elevated ; and, therefore, he
was always well served.
For his second marriage he chose a beautiful and
pious female in humble life. To prepare her for her
superior station, he placed her under the care of the
Keminiscent and his wife, and to be educated with our
daughters. He married her from our house, and it
was on this occasion I preached and published my Ser-
mon on " The Mutual Duties of Husbands and Wives."
The acceptance and commendations which this dis-
course met with (for it soon went through six editions),
encouraged and induced me to become more familiar
with the press ; and to issue in time a large number
of publications. Several other events also arose fro in
my connection with this excellent man ; such as a rela-
tive alliance ; and especially my acquaintance and con-
nection with the family of Mr. Bolton of America,
from which such important consequences to me have
resulted.
Such, a concatenation and dependence is there in oc-
currences and circumstances, which may seem to bo
casual, but are really providential : " And whoso is
wise and will observe these things, even they shall un-
derstand the loving-kindness of the Lord." Life should
never be separated from the agency of God in all ;
but in retracing it how often do we find a particular
event, otherwise not distinguished, pregnant with re-
sults, the birth of which fills us with surprise and as-
tonishment ; and teaches us that "the way of man is
not in himself."
EGBERT SPEAE, ESQ. 81
In general we see that the generation of the upright
is blessed, "but this implies imitation and conformity.
The seed of the righteous have many advantages, aris-
ing from 'the prayers, instructions, examples, and in-
fluence of their pious parents ; but these may be dis-
regarded, and even turned into a curse; for "where
much is given, much will be required;" and "to him
that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is
sin." And if there are children who have forsaken
the guide of their youth, and are, after all their early
opportunities and advantages, walking in ways that are
not good, who shall read this page, let them tremble at
the thought of separation from, and of condemnation
by, those parents who so anxiously sought to save
them!
4*
MISS ELIZA PROTEEROE.
I HAVE never entered into the dispute concerning
the comparative powers of the sexes. We naturally
and unavoidably judge of the whole by parts, and of
course by those parts which come within the circle of
our observation. Either (which I have no reason to
believe) I have rnst with a series of very favorable
exceptions, or I ought to think highly of the female
character. I am sure I cannot be mistaken with re-
gard to many with whom I have been intimately ac-
quainted in various seasons and circumstances of my
life. I have found in them a kindness, a tenderness, a
purity of affection, a disinterestedness of friendship, a
readiness to oblige, to serve, and to sacrifice; and
these, with their gentle manners and lively conversa-
tion, and sprightly correspondence, (next to the in-
fluence of the dearest of all connections,) have been
my peculiar excitement and solace, under anxious
duties and trying afflictions, and a tendency to depress-
ion of spirit, to which, though perhaps little suspected,
I have been always liable.
As my children had all left me by death, marriage,
or professional engagement ; and, as my beloved wife
had some growing indispositions which limited her ac-
tivities, I much wished for what I soon obtained, in a
very valuable and inestimable friend. This was Miss
MISS ELIZA PBOTHEKOE. 83
Eliza Protheroe, whose uncle was member of Parlia-
ment for Bristol, and whose cousin is member for Hali-
fax.
I knew her first by visiting her as a minister, when
she was suffering under an enervating malady, which
had much reduced her. . She was then under medical
care in Bath. Upon her recovery she left this place for
Cheltenham ; but she soon returned, and we had fre-
quent interviews with her. These prepared Mrs. Jay
and myself for a more intimate connection. So she
accompanied us to the sea as our only companion ; and
this excursion of six weeks together gave us such an
insight into her qualities, that after our return home she
soon became an inmate under our roof. She was well
brought up, genteel in her manners, very intelligent,
an excellent reader, pleasingly sociable, with a degree
of the humorous and comic in her conversation. Above
all she was truly pious, entirely free from everything
low and mean, and singularly unselfish and generous,
never seeming to be so much in her element as when
denying herself to do good to others. What a treasure
did we find in her ! What a companion, helper, and
comforter did she prove ! And what a mutual regard
did we all increasingly feel towards each other !
The most pleasing weeks I ever spent on earth were
passed in four successive excursions to Plymouth, in
the north of Devon. No little of the exquisite pleas-
ure I experienced was derived from the mixed sub-
lime and beautiful scenery, and from the solitude and
tranquil retirement ; but how much of it did our as-
sociate contribute in our mutual walks and readings,
and discourse ! And not only so. Here I prepared
my Lectures on the Christian Character for the press,
84 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATION'S OF CHAKACTEB.
and wrote the long preface prefixed to it. And here
also I wrote many of ray Morning and Evening Exer-
cises, one of which, as I wrote them, I daily read at
our family worship. These familiar compositions,
which have had such an extensive circulation, I owe
much to her stimulation and encouragement; without
which I much question whether I should have per-
severed.
Watts tells us,
" "We should expect some danger near
Where we possess delight ;"
and Oowper tells us,
"Full bliss is bliss divine."
My entirely esteemed wife, while at Plymouth, was
unable fully to enjoy the attractions of the retreat, and
the week after our return home from the last visit,
she was seized with apoplexy and paralysis, and which,
though life was spared, broke up much of my domes-
tic happiness. Our friend was so attached and devoted
to us, that she was ready to die for us yea, I cannot
but think this was the case, in a great degree at least ;
for, in consequence of my affliction, T immediately
wrote to her at Cheltenham, whither she had gone for
a few clays to see her mother; upon which she instant-
ly hastened back while under a medical process and
considerable indisposition, and much mental suffering
from affection and fear ; so that the day after her ar-
rival she was seized with delirium 3 and after a week of
frenzy, she expired. At the time my wife was insen-
sible, and, so, ignorant of an affliction that would
have exceedingly added to her own, and which did
MISS ELIZA PEOTHEEOE. 85
add so much to it, when she became capable of learn-
ing the event. As for myself, I hardly felt more at the
death of my own daughter, by whose side she lies in
my own family vault.
After several natural relations, Moses says, " Or thy
friend which is as thy own soul." Is this is an anticli-
max ? or does he mean to say that sometimes friend-
ship arises above kindred ?
"The tear
That drops upon this paper is sincere."
Few deaths could have afflicted me more. It was
the termination of a life of perfect unselfishness, no
little of which had been lived for the welfare of my-
self and mine. " Scarcely for a righteous man will
one die, yet for a good man some would even dare to
die." Power may cause a man to be feared , learning,
to be admired, wealth, to be flattered; but goodness
naturalizes one heart in another and renders it " more
blessed to give than to receive." Mrs. Jay was equally
affected when recovered enough to be able to hear the
report of our loss.
" Friend after friend departs.
"Who has not lost a friend ?
There is no union here of hearts,
That finds not here an end.
"Were this frail world our final rest,
Living or dying none were blest.
" There is a world above,
Where parting is unknown ;
A long eternity of love,
Form'd for the good alone;
And faith beholds the dying here,
Translated to that glorious sphere."
MRS. SMITH.
WITH this very excellent woman I had a long and
intimate acquaintance. My youngest daughter, of
whom I was bereaved in the bloom of her youth, was
named Statira after her. During many of my annual
visits to Surrey Chapel, I spent with my wife much
of the time I could spare from my services in London
at her house at Woodford. Her name was then Pool,
and her husband was a merchant, and had been pros-
perous, and was rich. She was a woman of a superior
understanding, and had a cultivated mind. She had
lived in the levities and gaieties of genteel commercial
society, (generally the most vain, profane, and vapid,)
and so she knew enough of the ways and friendships
of the world, to be, in a measure, weaned from them ;
or at least to be fully convinced of their vanity and
vexation of spirit ; while she felt her need of something
better than earth could offer, without knowing what it
was, or where it could be obtained.
With these views and feelings she came with her
husband to Bath ; and as they were acquainted with
Mr. II. Thornton, M. P. for the Borough, she inquired
of him where he would recommend them to attend.
He answered, "You know I am a Churchman, but
there are persons who may be occasionally heard to
MBS. SMITH. 87
advantage out of tlie Establishment." He knew what
was then the state of Bath, and he also perceived the
state of her mind. What he said induced her to visit
Argyle Chapel ; and the first sermon she heard the
"Reminiscent preach, brought her in sight of the relief
and satisfaction she had ignorantly, but really been
seeking after. She now made herself known, and a
mutual and growing friendship ensued.
Upon her returning home to Wooclford, her lament-
ation was that she could not hear the truth which had
made her free indeed. But one of her servants rather
casually heard the Eev. George Collison of "Waltham-
stow, and eagerly informed her mistress that she had
found a minister who preached just like the minister
they had heard at Bath. She forthwith the next Sab-
bath ordered out her carriage, and went to hear him
herself. She much relished the preaching of this man
of Grod ; and from thenceforth made it the place of her
constant attendance.
Prom the commencement of her religious career, she
had morning and evening prayer, with the female do-
mestics of her household ; but her husband was not
as yet favorable to the establishment of family wor-
ship. But when is a woman whose heart is right with
Grod, at a loss to carry a good point, for want of mo-
tives, methods, or means ?
Some months after, Mr. Thornton and the Eemi-
niscent were to spend a week together as their guests.
So she said to her husband, "These friends who are
coming, always have the worship of Grod in their
families ; and they will expect it here, and will think
it very strange, if they should not find it." He re-
plied, "Well, then, we must conform to their custom
88 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
while they are here." So I was desired to conduct the
service every morning and evening, reading the Scrip-
tures, now and then dropping a very few words, and
always praying short and as wisely as I could. But no
sooner had we departed than Mrs. Smith said to her
husband, " Will it not appear very odd to the servants,
if we now give up this exercise ? Will they not think
that we have been endeavoring to appear to our friends
more religious than we really are ? And do you not
think the performance itself is likely to do good, if not
to ourselves, yet to our domestics?" So the practice
was allowed to be continued, on the condition of her
officiating. This she was qualified to do ; but she took
it up, not by choice, but as a trial, and from a sense
of duty, arising from a peculiar condition, of things.
She always had a form of prayer before her, but she
occasionally interspersed some expressions of her own.
And would not this be the best way of using forms
of devotion? I once heard Mr. John Shepherd of
!Frome, recommending it from his own example and
experience.
Are Christians ever useless ? When blessed them-
selves they prove blessings to others ; and in various de-
grees, in some way or other, serve their generation by
the will of Grod. Who can tell the good this woman
accomplished in her own place and neighborhood by
her example and influence, in visiting the rich ; feed-
ing and clothing the hungry and the naked ; instruct-
ing the ignorant ; establishing schools ; and forming
a club for the poor females to aid them in their illness-
es and lyings-in, whose meetings she accompanied with
moral and religious addresses, without however ex-
cluding., their little homely and innocent festivities?
MBS. SMITH. 89
When she was bereaved of her husband, as her
means remained, the widow equally sustained and car-
ried on what the wife had begun and established.
Some years after she married again. It was to a
very accomplished gentleman, a serjeant-at-law, a fel-
low of the Antiquarian Society, a scholar, and the
father of the authors of the "Rejected Addresses,"
' Horace in London," and various celebrated novels.*
At first his doctrinal sentiments widely differed from
her own. This created great difficulty on her side;
and for some time a refusal of marriage was the result.
At length some peculiar circumstances led her to
yield, though not perfectly in accordance with her con-
victions. But God overruled it for good in more evan-
gelizing his sentiments, and bringing some of his
daughters into the way of life. Yet the connection
was not without its trials. It occasioned the loss of a
large part of her property. But herein again her gra-
cious principle continued to operate and show itself.
Though she much reduced her establishment, she re-
solved that her charities, sacred and civil, should not
suffer. These continued the same. In what are not
the subjects of divine grace & peculiar people ? Trying
events befall them, and evince that they are not con-
formed to this world, but transformed by the renew-
ing of the mind; and so proving " what is that good s
;md acceptable, and perfect will of God."
It is pleasing to know that her husband, whom she
had once characterized, in a letter to the Reminiscent,
as " having all the wisdom of the Greeks, and their
* I once dined with these gifted young men ; and was sorry to
remark that, if religion was not the object of their contempt it was
not the one thing needful.
90 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
foolishness too," after awhile received the kingdom
of God as a little child, died in the faith of the Gos-
pel, a member of the Independent Church at Wands-
worth, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
unto eternal life. Not many wise men after the flesh
are called ; but there have always been a few to falsify
the prejudice that the religion of the cross is fit only
for the vulgar and illiterate.
JOHN POYNDER, ESQ.
MY acquaintance with this good and distinguished
character has continued for considerably more than
fifty years. It commenced from a letter I received
desiring me to inform him from what author I had
given an extract in my sermon preached upon the
formation of the London Missionary Society. This in-
quiry was prefatory to something else, and he soon
expressed his gratitude to God that he ever heard that
discourse, as "it had had such an effect upon him as
he hoped would never wear away." And this was the
case ; for from that period he was found a decided,
avowed, consistent, undeviating, and zealous follower
of the Lamb.
After this letter, upon my going to London to fulfil
my annual appointment at Surrey Chapel, I had my
first personal interview with him. The meeting was
affecting ; and we exchanged some pleasing thoughts
and feelings. After this we seized every opportunity
to meet and converse ; and though, as he was a Tory,
and a firm Churchman, and I a Whig, and a moderate
Dissenter, and we, therefore, differed in some of our pol-
itical and ecclesiastical views, this instead of gendering
alienation rather endeared us the more to each other.
Harmony is better than unison,' " Yes," says Lord
92 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
Bacon, " and it is so not only in sounds but in affec-
tions"
Hence during my annual weeks of labor in London
lie frequently heard me, and has given most ample
proof of his kind approbation of my services, by his
multiplied quotations from my preaching and publica-
tions in his three volumes of "Literary Extracts." In
these three volumes, he shows much reading, judg-
ment, and taste ; yet they would have borne abridg-
ment or reduction. It is natural for persons when
they read to remark and transcribe. But what strikes
them peculiarly at the time, owing to its novelty, or
something in their own circumstances or feelings, may
appear very differently afterwards ; and the wonder is
that, in the cool review, more freedom was not here
used in selection, and articles weighed rather than num-
bered.
Though these volumes are large, they are not all his
issues from the press. His publications were numer-
ous, in all of which usefulness was the obvious design
and tendency. As a Christian^ many of them turned
on religious subjects : The Evangelization of our East-
ern dominion ; The Paganism of Popery ; The Sanc-
tincation of the Lord's Day, &c.
As an East India proprietor he spoke much in favor
of the abolition of Sutteeism, or burning of widows.
In this work and labor of love, many of his speeches
were very able and eloquent, and several of them were
published. Several years before his death he had the
satisfaction of seeing his exertions crowned with suc-
cess. He was equally earnest and persevering in op-
posing the accursed tax arising from the idolatrous
worship of Juggernaut. But he died without seeing
JOHN" POYNDBB, ESQ. 9?>
tliis foul stain wiped off from our gc verm aent , and
"hope deferred made the heart sick/' But he had
roused the public indignation, and awakened a cry
that he knew must be heard in due time.
Never was there a warmer advocate of evangelical
truth, and the doctrines of the Eeformation.
Never was there a more determined enemy to Pope-
ry, and its half-sister Puseyism.
Never did man more strive to serve his generation
by the will of Grod.
And, as to his private and relative character, who
ever excelled him as an attached husband, a devoted
father, a faithful friend, or a helper of the needy ?
Behold what may be done by a single individual
when disposition, ability, and opportunity concur.
"The memory of the just is blessed."
1ST. B. I wrote this brief sketch the very day I was
informed of his death, lest at my time of life I should
be prevented from bearing even a very inadequate
testimony to this man of so much varied worth.
RAMMOHUN ROY.
I WAS but little acquainted with the rajah, but I feel
inclined to notice him, not only because I was struck
with him as a man of prodigious powers of mind, and.
treasures of knowledge, and readiness of address ; but
because I think justice has not. been done to him in
another and far more important view.
I first saw him at the Mansion House, London, to
which I was invited to meet him by the then Lord Mayor,
with whom, as an author, I had had considerable deal-
ings. The dinner was early and the company select,
though not entirely religious ; and I was allowed to
bring any of my acquaintance with me. Several ac-
companied me, one of whom, John Poynder, Esq.,
could turn the intercourse to account, in conversing
with the rajah on a subject in which he was then so
zealously laboring, and did not labor in vain, (the
abolition of Sutteeism,) and which the rajah himself
before he left India had nobly advocated.
Of course this man was the lion of the company.
He spoke freely on several topics, especially of Mahom-
etanism, which he considered as an improvement on
Paganism, and of some considerable advantage to
Christianity itself, whose professors were yielding to a
kind of idolatrjr in worshipping masses and relics.
KAMMOHUN ROY. 95
He also expressed himself with regard to Mahomet
himself, as possessing greater talents and some better
qualities than had been commonly ascribed to him.
This was not suffered to pass without some hesitation
and dissent, especially by- the Eev. Mr. Melville.
The Lady Mayoress asking his opinion of the com-
parative estimate of the sexes, he promptly replied,
" Physically considered, men are superior to women.
Morally considered, women are superior to men. In-
tellectually considered, they are on a level, admitting
the same opportunities and advantages ;" a confession
which, if not questioned, was deemed remarkable, as
coming from a quarter where females are commonly, if
not universally, undervalued and degraded.
"When he spoke of the Gospel, he frankly avowed
his full belief of it, adding, "But I consider this no
merit of mine, for I found it impossible to peruse the
Book itself, and not be convinced that it was the work
of a being of perfect wisdom and benevolence." The
Eev. Mr. Dale, who sat next me, could not help ex-
pressing rather audibly his approbation and admira-
tion of the sentiment, and the manner in which it was
delivered ; and Mr. Melville, who principally led the
discourse with the rajah, acknowledged, as I went
away with him, that he had a much more favorable
opinion and hope of him than he had before.
The following Sabbath-day evening he came with
the Lord Mayor and the rector of St. Olave's to hear
the Eeminiscent. He gave proof of his liking, not
only the preacher, but the subject, by coming into the
house afterwards, and soliciting a copy of the discourse
to print for distribution among his friends. As the
sermon was taken down in short-hand, I was able to
96 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
comply with the desire. I procured him a transcrip-
tion, and he printed it at his own expense. (The ser-
mon is to be found in the seventh volume of my
works.)*
I fear this is too personal to be excused ; but it tells
upon what I have in view ; for though the discourse
was not strictly doctrinal, it contained allusions and
statements, only to be found in "the truth as it is
in Jesus."
He had engaged to accompany Mr. Poynder to Sur-
rey Chapel again the Sunday after ; but, before its ar-
rival, he wrote him a note, (which .1 keep, and value
as an autograph,) saying he was afraid he should not
be able to attend, owing to a degree of indisposition,
and the pressure and heat of the congregation ; but
lamented the loss the less as he should soon have an
opportunity to hear, so he expressed it, that truly
evangelical minister in Bath.
This was denied him, as, the week before his intend-
ed visit to Bath, he died in Bristol. There he was by
invitation, at the house of a lady belonging to Lewin's
Mead Meeting, where he attended on the morning of
the Sabbath, but heard an evangelical clergyman at
Clifton in the evening. During his short stay in Bris-
tol, a party of several distinguished individuals met
him. Among these was John Foster, f who, upon my
inquiry, said that nothing on this occasion very strik-
ing or definitive came from him. He probably began
to feel the approach of the disorder which so rapidly
carried him off.
* See page 100 of that volume.
f Mr. Foster's interesting account of this interview, and of the
rajah's death, we shall subjoin to this ai-ticle.
KAMMOIIl'N HOY. 97
Soon after his private interment in the premises of
his friend, an extolling account of him was published
by Dr. Carpenter, assuring the public that he was a
Christian, in the Socinian translation of that word.
Here lam persuaded he was mistaken. He was this
on his conversion to Christianity in India, when he
only considered Christ as a moral Teacher, and wrote
accordingly. But we have reason to hope and con-
clude, that, on his coming to this country, his views
varied and were approaching evangelical sentiments.
At first, (and it was not wonderful, with such talents
and reasoning powers,) on emerging from heathenism,
he felt difficulties with regard to some of the more
mysterious doctrines of the Gospel, but there is no lit-
tle proof that his mind was beginning to open to the
cross and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He com-
monly in London attended the preaching of an ortho-
dox clergyman.
Earl Grainsborough was not only much pleased with
him, but much encouraged concerning his state and
character by the rajah's visit to Barham Court. When
he dined with Mr. Poynder he begged to be allowed to
attend his evening family- worship, after the company
was gone; and next day he came also to attend his
morning- worship ; and expressed much delight at the
blending with prayer, the reading of the Scriptures
and singing. Mr. Poynder engaged the Eev. Mr.
Knight to conduct these services, by means of which
this pious and judicious minister became acquainted
with this prodigy ; and he also had good hope concern-
ing him, both from his interviews and correspondence ;
for the rajah orten addressed notes to him respecting
passages of Scripture, (with the solutions of which he
98 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARAC1EK.
seemed satisfied,) and often called upon him ; and in
his last interview with him, finding him very serious
and tender, he said to him, " Sir, I trust you do not
less prize Christianity since you came amongst us." He
rose ; and taking him by the hand said with tears,
" Mr. Knight, I feel such a regard for the truth and
importance of Christianity, that I think I could die for
it."
This account, we presume, will not be satisfactory
to some ; they will ask for more evidence ; and we
could have wished we had been able to furnish more.
We cannot be too anxious and inquisitive, where our
own religious state is concerned, but with regard to
others, there is a charity, which with the due allow-
ance " hopeth all things, believeth all things, endureth
all things." We may know what heresy is without
being able to ascertain the state of a heretic. We
know not what disadvantages he has been under ; what
struggle he has had with difficulties and doubts, to
which others have been strangers ; and what prayers he
has offered, which, though they cannot be lost, may
not be immediately and consciously answered. But
we know who hath said, "Seek and ye shall find."
"He that doeth His will shall know of the doctrine
whether it be of Grod;" and "Then shall we know, it'
we follow on to know the Lord."
Why cannot we admit, in connection with Christian
saiety, doctrinal sincerity as well as moral deficiencies ?
And why cannot we imagine that where there is less en-
lightenment, there may be more excellence of another
kind to balance it more humbleness of mind, more
benevolence, and more active zeal ? I have met with
instances in which, where there was little speculative
BAMMOHUN ROY. 99
and systematical clearness and accuracy, there has teen
much of that wisdom which is from above, and which
is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy "to be
entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without par-
tiality and without hypocrisy." When the blind pal-
tient in the Grospel first looked up, he only saw men
as trees walking ; but he was under the operation of a
Divine Eestorer ; and a second touch enabled him to
see everything clearly. How little of the Gospel sal-
vation did Peter know at the time ; yet upon his con-
fession, our Lord pronounced him blessed ; and affirm-
ed that flesh and blood had not revealed this unto
him, but his Father in heaven.
Erom this case we are led to another reflection.
How readily and eagerly are the advocates of religious
parties induced to claim and avow extraordinary men
as belonging to them ; as if their faith stood in the
wisdom of men, and not in the power of Grod. But
let no man. glory in men. "We should be thankful
when any of superior intellect and endowment are
found walking in the truth ; but we are not to have
the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of per-
sons. The poor and the common people are generally
the evangelized. These " things are hidden from the
wise and prudent and revealed unto babes." Not
many wise men after the flesh are called ; and these
are often in our churches more glaring than useful
members ; yea, it is well if they do not become Dio-
trephes by their gifts.
Mr. Foster gives the folio-wing interesting particulars of the rajah's
visit to Bristol, in a letter to Mr. Hill, dated October 8th, 1833 :
100 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
" The most remarkable thing of late is the visit, so soon to end vu.
the death, in the house behind our garden, of the Rajah Rammo-
hun Roy (the title of rajah, of no very definite import, was con-
ferred on him by the King of Delhi, the remaining shadow of the
great Mogul). I had entertained a strong prepossession against him,
had no wish to see him, but could not avoid it, when he was come
to the house of my young landlady, Miss Castle.
" My prejudice could not hold out half an hour after being in his
company. He was a very pleasing and interesting man ; intelligent
and largely informed, I need not say but unaffected, friendly, and,
in the best sense of the word, polite. I passed two evenings in his
company, only, however, as an unit in large parties ; the latter time,
however, in particular and direct conversation with him, concern-
ing some of the doctrines of the Indian philosophers, the political,
civil, and moral state of the Hindoos. In the former instance, when
the after-dinner company consisted of Dr. Carpenter and sundry other
doctors and gentlemen, Churchmen and Dissenters, he was led a
little into his own religious history and present opinions. He avow-
ed his general belief in Christianity as attested by miracles, (of which
I had understood that he made very light some ten or a dozen years
since,) but said that the internal evidence had had by much the
greatest force on his mind. In so very heterogeneous a company,
there was no going into any very specific particulars. Carpenter,
in whose company I have since dined at Dr. Pritchard's, very confi-
dently claims him as of the ' Modern Unitarian' school. * * * *
It may be that he was finally near about in agreement with that
school, but I do not believe that they have any very exact knowl-
edge of his opinions. * * * * Here he went to several churches,
and to hear Jay on a week-day at Bridge Street, as well as some-
times at Lewin's Mead, where the family in which he was visiting
constantly attended. There is, or a few days since there was, a
great perplexity how to dispose of his remains. He had signified
his wish not to be committed to any Ecclesiastical burying-ground,
but, if it might be so managed, deposited in some quiet corner of
the mere profane earth. His principal London friend (a Mr. Hare,
from India) thinks it the most desirable that he were conveyed to
India. During the greater part of his short illness (it was an affec-
tion of the brain) he was in a state of such torpor as to be incapa-
ble of any communication. Dr. Pritehard, who attended him dur-
ing the latter days, says he did not utter, while he was with him,
ten distinct sentences. As far as I have heard, there was nothing to
RAMMOHUJST ROY. 101
indicate the state of his mind. There were actions (of his hands,
&c.) which his own attendants said were the usual ones that accom-
panied his devotional exercises. To me and several of our order of
friends, who were, the latter evening to which I have referred, (at
Mrs. Cox's,) in such close and interesting conversation with him,
then apparently in perfect health, but then within hardly two days
of the commencement of his fatal illness, it was emphatically strik-
ing, nine or ten days after, to think of him as no longer in our
world." Foster's Life, Vol. II., p. 218, &c.
EEV. THOMAS TUPPEN.
HE was my predecessor in the pastorate of ike con-
gregational church in Bath. He was originally in
trade ; and in his earlier days had deviated from the
paths of righteousness and peace= Living, then, at
Portsmouth, he went to hear "Whitfielcl, who was to
preach on the neighboring common, and (which was
so often the case under the ministry of that extraordi-
nary herald of the Grospel) the word came to him not
in word only, but in the demonstration of the Spirit
and with power. He had gone to hear, not so much
from curiosity, as from the worse motive to oppose,
insult, and interrupt. " I had," said he, " therefore,
provided myself with stones in my pocket, if oppor-
tunity offered, to pelt the preacher; but I had not
hea.rd long, before the stone was taken out of my heart
of flesh ; and then the other stones, with shame and
weeping, were dropped one by one out upon the
ground."
The change then commenced, was carried on, and
evinced itself to be of God by its continuance and its
effects. In process of time the receiver of the Grospel
became also the publisher ; and was ordained over a
church in the place where he resided. Some years
after he ruptured a blood-vessel ; and resigned his
EEV. THOMAS TUPPED. 103
charge, as unable to meet safely its numerous ser-
vices ; but after a considerable suspension, his recov-
ery allowed of his taking another sphere, with less
public duty. Mr. Welsh, a rich banker from London
(as may be seen in my Reminiscence of him), who had
much aided our rising cause, brought him to Bath
while the interest was young- and weak ; and engaged
to support him till the congregation should be able to
meet the expense.
Here his labors were peculiarly acceptable and use-
ful. Many were awakened unto his ministry, and
added to the growing church ; which was soon re-
quired to enlarge the place of her feet. He was there-
fore excited and encouraged (much by Lady Grlen-
orchy) to take ground and build ; Argyle Chapel was
the consequence. But the founder, though he set his
heart upon it, lived not to see it opened for the Lord's
service. This was performed by the Reminiscent, who
had been introduced by Mr. Tuppen to his people as
an occasional supply during his sickness, and recom-
mended to them as their pastor when he was dying."*
* In the Life of the Countess of Huntingdon, Vol. II. p. 75, is the
following notice of Mr. Tuppen : The congregation assembling in
Argyle Chapel, Bath, originated in the secession of a few pious in-
dividuals who did not approve of the forms of the Established
Church, and who formed themselves into a church 'on independent
principles. The first person to whom application was made to pre-
side over this infant church was the Rev. Thomas Tuppen, who had
been a preacher in Mr. Whitfield's connection, and afterwards min-
ister of the Tabernacle at Port-sea ; he arrived in Bath in the year
1*785, when the interest rapidly increased; from about twenty -five
persons who at first attended him, the number rose in a few years
to seven or eight hundred. The place in which they worshipped
being now too small for the congregation, a new chapel was begun
in 1789, and opened October 4, 1789 ; but Mr. Tuppen's health was
'.104 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
He was a man of great seriousness and exemplary
piety ; lie talked little, but his speech was always with
salt and ministered grace to the hearer. Mr. Cecil
once said, a minister should not be " a man to be
had," and Mr. Tuppen was most observant of this
rule of airy man I ever knew. This grew not so much,
out of disposition as out of circumstances, as he had
had only a common education, and never had the ad-
vantage of any regular preparation for the ministry,
and yet was -very thirsty of improvement. Through
desire he separated himself, seeking and intermeddling
with all wisdom. He was a most laborious student,
and by assiduous and self-denying application, he
gained much general information ; acquired a tolerable
knowledge of the original languages ; excelled in the-
ology ; and became one of the most distinguished
preachers of the day, in his own connection. He,
therefore, lived very retired, not only from society at
large, but also from his own congregation ; and to such
then so much reduced that he was never able to preach a single
sermon there he could only attend the services of the day which
were performed by the Rev. "William Jay, who has been the min-
ister of the place ever since.
During the few years that Mr. Tuppeu exercised his ministry at
Bath, his manner of preaching was very striking : he was often heard
to say, "If the attention be gained, half the business is done."
It was never his wish to empty other places where the Gospel
was preached in order to fill his own ; for, after observing the
largeness of his own audience, he would often inquire whether the
other places were full. When he was answered in the affirmative,
he seemed to be much pleased, and would say, " Well, we may now
hope something is doing."
After a lingering illness, which he supported with great resigna-
tion and patience, he entered into his rest on the 22d of February,
IT 90, aged 48.
EEV. THOMAS TUPPEN. 105
a degree as would not have been justified or excused,
but for the value he attached to time, and the neces-
sity he felt for diligence.
This is not always the case : I have been sorry to
have observed in no few instances the reverse of this.
"Where the iron has been blunt, less strength has been
put to it ; and where there has been no advantage of
preparatory fitness, preachers have been less anxious
and active in their exertions. It is one of the benefits
of training for the ministry that, however imperfect it
may comparatively be, it creates a habit of order, a
tone of application, and a heedfulness of time and op-
portunity. I have known individuals of no enviable
talents, and of no previous acquirements, who have
even given less time and attention in preparing their
three sermons for the week, than Eobert Hall, with
all his powers and education, employed in preparing
one, and that only his week evening lecture before
the Lord's supper. And are there not people who
prefer this remissness, and lounging, and sauntering
in a preacher, provided he favors them with a portion
of it, in what they call pastoral visits, than in letting
his profit appear unto all men, in giving himself to
reading, meditation, and prayer ?
Mr. Tuppen's face was peculiarly intelligent; his
eye remarkably piercing ; and his look frequently in-
sufferable. The skeletons of his sermons (for he wrote
none at full length) were written with uncommon
neatness, order, and precision ; and generally filled
two octavo pages. They were in long hand with a
few contractions. His library was arranged according
to Locke's Common Place Book ; so that when he had
to preach on any particular subject, he could turn to
106 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
any volume; and every volume where that subject
was treated in a way of proof, illustration, or improve-
ment. Whenever he added a book to his collection,
he thus immediately arranged its topics for reference ;
and this rendered the work easy, which would, if done
at once, have been a tiresome task.
He was a widower, and had only one child, a son,
residing with him, and articled to a solicitor in Bath.
This son had more than his father's natural talents,
and was a good scholar, and gave much promise of
rising above many in his profession. He also seemed
much inclined to walk in those ways which are pleas-
antness and peace. When, therefore, he had arrived
at age, on his birthday he wrote a paper, entitled
" Eules for my Conduct." It began thus : "I am now
come of age, and hope for the favor and blessing of
Grod upon my future years. But in order to this, I
know I must adhere to certain principles and rules ;
the first of which is piety. ' Behold the fear of the
Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil, that is
understanding,' " &c. But alas ! this goodness was as
the morning cloud, or early dew which passeth away.
These hopeful appearances were in a few mouths
blighted, and in a few more entirely destroyed.
" Evil communications corrupt good manners ; and
a companion of fools shall be destroyed." This fine
youth became acquainted with some sceptical, or as,
by a patent of their own creation, they call themselves,
free- thinking young men ; gave up the Sabbath ; for-
sook the house of Grod which his father had built;
abandoned the minister to whom he had been greatly
attached ; and boldly " left off to be wise and to do
good." But as his fall v/as rapid, so his new course
'KEY. THOMAS TUPPEN. 107
was short. Swimming on a Sunday for amusement
and experiment, lie caught a chill which brought on
a consumption. This for months gave him warning,
and space for repentance, but it is to be feared this
grace of God was in vain. During the gradual de-
cline, he refused all intercourse with pious friends or
ministers ; and when his good nurse entreated him to
call me in, as I lived close by, and there had been
such an intimacy between us, he frowned and rebuked
her, and ordered her to mind her own business. On
the last day of his life, unasked, I ventured into his
dying chamber. He was sensible ; but exclaimed,
" Voltaire ! Voltaire!" He then raised himself up
in the bed, and wringing his hands again exclaimed,
" that young man ! that young man !" I said, " My
dear sir, what young man ?" With a countenance in-
describable, he answered, " I will not tell you."
How was rny soul agonized, for I had loved him
much, and had endeavored in every way to render
myself agreeable and useful to him. But " one sinner
destroyeth much good." What have I seen in a long
ministry of the dire effects of evil associates, and li-
centious publications ! He kept moving about, and
grasping the bed clothes ; and after a disturbed silence
muttered something about his seeing fire, and then ab-
ruptly expired. On the last circumstance I laid no
stress ; it was probably from a sparkling of the eye,
affected by the imagination or disease ; nor did I pub-
lish a narrative of the event from the press or the pul-
pit ; or attempt to make of it an imitation of Dr.
Young's " Centaur not Fabulous." In many cases we
know too little for explanation or decision ; and it is
our wisdom to "be still, and know that He is Grod,"
108 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
both as to the exercise of his mercy and justice. We
are to avoid rash judgments, but it becomes us to hear
and flee.
Should this solemn and true statement fall under the
notice of any youth who has had godly parents, and
a religious education ; and not only outward advan-
tages but serious convictions and resolutions ; from all
which he has turned aside, surely here is enough to
awaken his reflection and alarm, and to enforce the
language of inspired wisdom and love : " My son, if
sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Enter not into
the path of the wicked ; and go not in the way of evil
men. Avoid it, pass not by it ; turn from it, and pass
away. For they sleep not except they have done
mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they
cause some to fall. And thou mourn at the last, when
thy flesh and thy body are consumed ; and say, How
have I hated instruction and my heart despised re-
proof ! and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,
nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me !
Rejoice, young man, in thy youth ; and walk in the
way of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes ; but
know thou, that for all these things God will bring
thee into judgment."
YESCOMBE, ESQ.
THE only history of this rather singular character I
derived from himself; and, as far as my information
goes, it principally turns upon his two conversions,
the one from Protestantism to Popery, and the other
from Popery to Protestantism.
Of his family I am ignorant, though I think he once
mentioned that he had a brother who commanded a
government packet to Lisbon. As it is a considerable
time since his death, I may have mis-remarked a few
trivial circumstances ; but I am certain, from the im-
pression the case made npon me at first, my repeated
relation of it since, and my lengthened acquaintance
with him, that the following statement is essentially
correct.
He was travelling in Wales. In the neighborhood
of Abergavenny he met with a Eomish priest, who
immediately and sedulously sought an intimacy with
him. He succeeded ; and they soon became familiar
friends, as, though a nominal Protestant, he knew very
little of the rudiments of his own profession. He was
shortly, by the zeal and art of his new associate, drawn
over to Popery, and fell so entirely under the control
of this man, that he was prevailed upon to deliver up
his Bible, (of which, alas ! he had made little use,) and
110 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
to live a kind of monkish life in a sort of mountain
cave ; and though he had often witnessed the occa-
sional intemperance of this priest, he went weekly,
and regularly, and solemnly, to confess "before him for
penance and pardon.
In process of time, in his complete devotedness to
Popery,, he thought of entering the monastery of La
Trappe, the inmates of which were so renowned for
denying themselves even the use of the speech which
Grod has given us for enjoyment and profit. But, as
the convert was required, as the term of his admission,
that he should divest himself, in favor of the holy
body, of all he had, he hesitated a little, and resolved
to judge by a personal inspection. For this purpose
he set out to visit the institution, and " he must needs
go through" Bath. On the Thursday evening, walk-
ing by Lady Huntingdon's chapel, he heard the sing-
ing after the prayers, and- went in, and continued dur-
ing the whole of the sermon. The preacher was the Rev.
Mr. Kernp of Swansea. I forget the text ; but, in the
course of his subject, he spoke against the errors of Pop-
ery, especially transubstantiation, and idolatrous wor-
ship of the Virgin Mary. His remarks so powerfully
struck Mr. Yescombe, that, after the service was over,
he went into the chapel house, and asked to see the
minister, and said he wished much to have some con-
versation with him. Mr. Kemp was- surrounded with
niends, who were taking their leave of him, as he was
setting off for London early the next morning. He
therefore excused himself from a conference ; but
learning that the applicant's desire arose from some
impression of what he had just heard, he recommend-
ed him, mentioning m) name, to call upon myself. This
YESCOMBE, ESQ. Ill
lie did on the day following. He apologized for call-
ing by mentioning his recommendation, and stated the
occasion of it in the doubt which had been raised in
his mind from the sermon he had heard, avowing him-
self to be a Eoman Catholic. If true, I was glad of
such an opportunity, and lifted up my heart to God,
that I might continue and complete these doubts, and
make him know the truth, that the truth might make
him free.
And this I have every reason to hope was the case ;
and after several interviews (not without prayer) he
expressed with gratitude and tears his full conviction
brought me his beads and books, constantly attend-
ed my ministry, and communed with us in the dying
of the Lord Jesus, spiritually and by faith eating the
flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of (rod.
He soon now furnished himself with a Bible, and-
indescribable was the pleasure he found in it, after
never having dared to look into it for sixteen years.
How often and significantly would he say with Jere-
miah, " Thy word was found, and I did eat it ;" and
" Thy words were to me the joy and rejoicing of my
heart,"
Yet he said, as he was single, and had now been so
long accustomed to solitude, and from habit enjoyed
it, he hoped he might still be allowed to live much in
retirement ; and this he did, occupying two rooms
awaj 7 - from all interruption and intercourse ; walking
with Grod, and confessing himself a stranger and pil-
grim on the earth.
He always called me " Father." I had many pleas-
ing and profitable interviews with him, and saw him
growing in grace and in the knowledge- of the Lord
112 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
and Saviour till he reached tlie end of his faith, and
that end was peace.
Three inferences are derivable from this brief me-
moir : First. We see the spirit of Popery, and its fear
of the Scripture. If we could separate the zeal to
make proselytes from the cause, how worthy would it
be of imitation !
Secondly. Let young persons when they travel be
careful of the company they keep, lest they get a
snare to their souls, and be led away by the error of
the wicked.
Thirdly. See on what little, and, to us, casual cir-
cumstances important events hinge ; and how the pur-
poses of him are accomplished " who worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will."
I bless God that, in the sixty-three years of my pas-
toral life, I lost no one of my flock by perversion to
Romanism ; while I received into my communion two
converts from Popery, who walked in the truth, and
" adorned the doctrine of God their Saviour in all
things."
DR. THOMAS COGAN.
DR. OOG-AN, celebrated as a physician, author of
" Yiews on the Ehine," and many other well-known
works, was originally a Dissenting minister, educated
at Homerton Academy, and officiating first at South-
ampton. But changing his sentiments, and abjuring
his Calvinistical Creed, like an honest man he inform-
ed the church of his new convictions, and resigned his
pastorate. For some time he was subsequently a
preacher at the Hague, but afterwards he was led, as
the condition of a matrimonial alliance, to study medi-
cine, and practiced as a physician at Rotterdam. "When
the French poured iafo Holland, he feared, (as he had
offended them by some public strictures,) and fled to
this country with the Prince of Orange, Mr. Hope, the
Malvers, and others.
He took a farm at Wraxal in Wiltshire, but soon
found that the scientific agriculturist could not succeed
so well as his plain practical neighbors. He then fixed
his residence in Bath, and occupied a house of his own
opposite the Reminiscent's Chapel. He had married
in Holland. His wife, being an orthodox Presbyterian,
communed with our church. He always attended the
Unitarian Chapel ; but in the evenings he was seldom
absent from Argyle Chapel. When my subject was
114 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION'S OF CHARACTER.
of a more general and practical nature, lie was pleased
and sometimes flattering; at other seasons be was
silent and never seemed offended, was never censorious
or severe. He allowed the liberty he assumed ; but I
presume he thought we were not very well off in Bath,
for he said more than once that, of the two ministers
he heard, one of them preached about Grod, as if there
had been no Christ ; and the other about Christ as if
there had been no Grod; but he hoped from the pull-
ing on each side he should be kept upright.
I sometimes found' it trying to preach before such a
superior man and so often ; but I am perfectly con-
seious I never yielded to the temptation of pleasing,
by altering my matter or style.
Though he passed, and wished to pass, generally as
an Unitarian, he did not give that community in all
things his preference or commendation. He wished they
would resign reading their discourses, as less exciting
and impressive ; and often spoke of republishing a
pamphlet, entitled "Beading not Preaching." He
complained of their disuse of the awful terms of Scrip-
ture, such as fury, vengeance, the lake of fire and brim-
stone, observing they were words employed by the only
wise Grod himself, and were adapted to strike the care-
less, and arrest the thoughtless. He disliked their
glossing Scripture when read or quoted, and wished
the language of revelation to be always left to speak in
its own unmixed simplicity. He also acknowledged
that they never seemed to ascribe importance enough
to the mediatorial work of the Messiah ; especially to
his sufferings and death, as the (in some way or other)
medium of Divine forgiveness.
He had the habit of too many of his party, and
DE, THOMAS COGAN. 115
which may be deemed worse in its cause and effects
than pure error itself; viz. : the speaking lightly of
Divine things, and even sporting with them. Walking
with him one day down Pulteney street, he said,
" This long, even street, puts me in mind of the dull
eternal Sabbath." He often joked about Satan. He
kept back his attack on the agency and even existence
of his infernal majesty in the last volume of his works,
because he knew his more orthodox friends would
never forgive him for the offence. He mentioned that,
when he was in Holland, a minister put forth a pam-
phlet deemed by many atheistical in its tendency, yet
he was not anathematized by the Synod to which he
belonged ; but afterwards when he published again,
denying diabolical influence and existence, they imme-
diately suspended him, as if not caring what became
of Grod, if they could but retain the devil. But it was
not a bad thing he uttered, when in the fields I met
him after a return from town, (though it was a little
inconsistent with his avowed opinion,) " When I am
in London I believe in the devil, and when I am in the
country I believe in God." He was a great and con-
sistent admirer of Nature, and I believe drew more of
the materials and excitements of his devotion from
wood and lawn than from Bethlehem and Calvary.
He was truly generous and benevolent ; as a com-
panion he was most amiable and interesting; never
obtruding or insinuating his sentiments among those
who differed from him. Like other great men, he was
not so ready with his tongue as with his pen, or so defi-
nite and lucid in his speech as in his writings. No-
thing indeed can surpass the crystal clearness apparent
in his works, for which see his " Treatise on the Anal-
116 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
ysis and Influence of the Passions ;" his " Theological
Disquisition on the Characteristic Excellences of Chris-
tianity."
The following is rather a curious circumstance.
One evening at Argyle Chapel, he sat in the same pew,
and close by the side of Mr. "Wilberforce. After the
service Mr. Wilberforce, coming into the vestry, asked
me who that very agreeable-looking man was, who sat
at his left hand. "Sir," said I, "that gentleman is
your opponent who has just published an answer to
the chapter in your work on Hereditary Depravity."
"Indeed!" said he, "had I known it I would have
shaken hands with him, for he is a fair and able dispu-
tant." Two clays after this, dining at his house with Mr.
Toller, of Kettering, (who was his guest,) Dr. Cogansoon
asked, " Who was that odd and very movable gen-
tleman, who sat last evening at my right hand ?"
''What, sir, did you not know that that was Mr. Wil-
berforce?" "Was that Wilberforce! I should much
have liked to have been introduced to him ; for though
I have written against his sentiments, no one can ad-
mire his character more, as one of the best of men,
and one of the greatest philanthropists;" and went
on justly eulogizing him.
Not being inclined or qualified for controversy, I
never entered into dispute with him, but I sometimes
dropped a few words from experience or observation,
to which he listened, and which seemed to strike him,
especially when I spoke of persons who had recently
died in confidence, peace, and comfort, commending
and recommending those truths which they said were
all their salvation and all their desire. And when I
mentioned what I had lately met with, viz. : a female,
DE. THOMAS JOGAN. 117
young and beautiful, agreeably espoused, with two
lovely babes, with everything that could render life
desirable, dying of a consumption, (which destroys so
many of our roses and lilies,) and when reduced by
the lingering disease almost to a shadow, she asked an
attendant to hand her the looking-glass,' after glanc-
ing at which she returned it, saying with a smile
" Then while ye hear my heart-strings break,
How sweet my moments roll !
A mortal paleness in my cheek,
But glory in my soul!"
and soon expired, he could not avoid weeping.
When also I sometimes mentioned instances (and,
blessed be God, I could mention such instances under
my own preaching) of persons converted from a sinful
course to a life of morality and holiness ; and where
the change has not been produced by practice, but the
practice has been the effect of the change ; and sin has
not only been left but loathed; and duty has not only
been performed but delighted in ; his pause and man-
ner have seemed to say, " Ahy, we hear and see no-
thing of this !"
He went to see his learned brother, the Eev. Edward
Cogan, (whose name so often appears as a contributor
in the "Gentleman's Magazine,") and who was the pas-
tor of the Presbyterian church at "Walthamstow. Be-
'fore his return he died. I know not the manner or
circumstances of his departure ; but have been inform-
ed only, that he ordered his tombstone to be inscribed
with these words : " I am the resurrection and the life :
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet
118 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHAEACTEll.
shall lie live ; and he that liveth and believeth in me
shall never die. Believest thou this ?"
I cannot help observing, that while Dr. Cogan was
in Holland, from the existence and usefulness of the
Humane Society there, he recommended the institu-
tion of it in this country to his friend Dr. ~YY. Hawes
of London, an elder of Dr. Eees' church. In conse-
quence of which, that gentleman had the honor of es-
tablishing a similar Society here, by means of which
so many lives have been restored and given back to
their agonizing connexions.
Shall I remark when Dr. Hawes called upon the
Reminiscent to engage him to preach for the Society,
our discourse naturally turned upon the subject of sui-
cide ; and he expressed it as his opinion that self-mur-
der commonly sprung, not from infidelity or insanity,
but from some impression intolerable for the moment,
but which might have been diverted or dissipated by
some timely change of company, place, or action ; and
the event been prevented. And who has not felt a
temporary gloomy depression, which, had it been in-
creased tenfold, or fivefold, (and it might have been
easily so increased,) but might have sought relief by
any means within reach ?
He also remarked, contrary to a common opinion,
that those who once attempt self-destruction, repeat
the attempt, and commonly succeed at last ; but that
they had found comparatively few of those they had
happily resuscitated chargeable with the repetition of
the offence.
I remember Dr. Cogan saying, he was once, when
abroad, walking with a young Portuguese lady, and
saw at a distance a fire surrounded with a number of
DE. THOMAS COGAN. 119
persons ; and when he was disposed to notice it, she
pulled him on, saying, " 0, I suppose it is only the
"burning of a Jew." " Yet," said he, " she was not
wanting in humanity, yea, she was even tender and
benevolent." But see the effect of persecution, educa-
tion, and custom I
REV. BENJAMIN DAVIS, D. D.,
WAS originally tutor of the Dissenting Academy at
Oswestry, where he had for one of his students Dr.
Edward Williams, afterwards president of Eotherham
College, and a writer of no little celebrity, especially
in the Baptismal and Calvinistic controversies.
I was anxious to learn from him, whether this pupil
of his, when under his care, had anything peculiar or
superior about him, indicative of his future eminence.
"Nothing," he said, "but more of a solitary disposi-
tion, a greater addiction to study, and a special seri-
ousness of reflection."
Do constitutional propensities, or accidental circum-
stances, lead men into those departments of action and
science in which they have mostly figured ? In many
instances, perhaps, this cannot be decided ; in some, it
is obvious, both unite and co-operate.
I remember eagerly perusing Dr. Williams' famous
work on " Divine Equity and Sovereignty," but I
found little satisfaction in reading it : perhaps I did
not thoroughly comprehend it. I certainly did not
feel, in consequence of it, more disposed for such in-
vestigations than before ; and I had always had a full
persuasion that there are depths in which the mind is
REV. BENJAMIN DAVIS, D.D. 121
swallowed up ; and that Young's advice is wisdom
here,
" Wait the great teacher, Death,
And God adore !"
Did not Bacon say, " I am no metaphysician, for 1
am not an owl, I cannot see in the dark !" Do not
some good men impose upon themselves and others ?
They feel and express great confidence and certainty
as to the result of their own perceptions and discuss-
ions ; but
First : Are they not governed by terms and phrases
of their own, hallowed and significant as to those who
use them ; but as to others, are they not words with-
out knowledge, and which darken. counsel rather than
enlighten it ? For what are they when they come to
be explained ? Or what satisfactory explanation arc
they capable of receiving ?
Secondly : They imagine they have solved difficulties
when they have only shifted them. They push them
into holes and corners, but after awhile they are met
with again by accidental approach, or revived research,
to the awakening of their doubts, but seldom to the
acknowledging of their mistakes.
Would it not be better for us to seize and improve
the inviting and glorious truths of revelation, which
are so plain and important, (and of which there are so
many,) the experience of which we find useful to our-
selves., and the communication of winch AVC know to
be useful lo others ? " The secret tilings belong unto
the Lord our (rod ; but those things that are revealed
are for us and for our children. 1 "
And what a difference must a Christian and a minis-
122 PEACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
tor feel, between tbe trammels of some systems of di-
vinity and the advantage of Scripture freedom, the
glorious liberty of the sons of God ! The one is the
horse standing in the street, in harness, feeding indeed,
but on the contents of a bag tossed up and down ; the
other, the same animal in a large fine meadow, where
he lies down in green pastures, and feeds beside the
still waters.
But I remember hearing Mr. Owen (the Secretary
to the Bible Society) say, after a long interview and
discussion with Dr. Williams, that he never met with
a systematic, who seemed to have so clear a view, and
so ready a command of his system.
To return. Dr. Davis was afterwards, for some
years, Theological Tutor of Homerton Academy ; con-
cerning which he often complained of the difficulties
and trials of the situation and office, especially as they
arose from the insubordination and manners of the
young men, and which frequently induced him to ex-
claim, "Ye are too strong for me, ye men of Zeruiah."
He was also pastor of the church in Fetter Lane ;
but he was compelled to resign his public and pas-
toral labors, owing to an extraordinary pain in his
head. After (in a remarkable manner) being relieved
from this, he resided for a time at Heading, and preach-
ed often there. He then resided with his niece, who
had married the Independent minister of WelLs.
There too he often preached, and was very useful.
Lastly he came to Bath, and became a member of my
church. Here he married again, and resided to the
end of life.
He occasionally preached for me, and always with
much acceptance; and it is remarkable that, though
KEV. BENJAMIN DAVIS, D.D. 123
for many years lie had always read his discourses, he
latterly laid his notes aside ; and never, as it might
have been supposed, felt embarrassment. His preach-
ing was of a more evangelical and experimental and
simple order than that of some of his contemporaries
in London ; and he was one of the few of his stiffer,
drier brethren who openly countenanced and com-
mended Whitfield and his assistants.
He was a man of very considerable learning, of
great theological knowledge, and of pre-eminent piety
and spirituality.
I derived much benefit from him (I might have de-
rived more) as a hearer, a companion, an admonisher,
and an example.
He published but little. I had some of his manu-
script sermons, and also his course of Theological Lec-
tures, (exceedingly clear and good,) and a Treatise on
Human Depravity and Regeneration ; all of which are
now in the possession of my grandson, the Rev. Cor-
nelius Winter Bolton, a clergyman in the United
States.
His reading towards the last was almost entirely of
one kind ; and his favorite authors were Leighton,
Baxter, and Newton : Newton's Letters in particular
he delighted to reperuse, for he observed, what an ad-
vantage he derived, (owing to the declension of his
memory,) as the same works seemed again new to
him.
When I informed him of the death of his distin-
guished pupil, Dr. Williams, he burst into a flood of
tears, and said, " I am almost ashamed to be alive, and
eighty years old, when so many good and great and
useful men are taken away in the midst of their days."
124 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER.
He still lived considerably beyond this period, dying
in a good old age, and gathered in like a shock of
corn fully ripe in his season. His end was peace, but
partaking more of trust than triumph. And I like
best such modes of dying experience. Few can ex-
pect ecstasy and rapture, but many may die saying,
" Let me not be ashamed of my hope ;"
" A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
On thy kind arms I fall ;
Be them my strength and righteousness,
My Jesus and my all 1"
REV. THOMAS HAWEIS, M. D-
DE. HAWEIS, in various respects, was a character
well known in the religious world. He was for a time
contemporary with the founders of Methodism, though
he was not a student at Oxford till "Wesley and Whit-
field had left that University. I have heard him men-
tion that, during his residence at the Ool]ege, he some-
times went over on the Sabbath to Weston-Pavel, to
hear the celebrated James Hervey ; and observing
(what I had heard also especially from Mr. Newton
and others, viz.) the dull aspect of his congregation,
and the difference there was between the liveliness of
his writings, and the unimpressiveness of his preach-
ing. This rather strange result may excite wonder ;
but it furnishes matter for a twofold remark.
First : How divided and individual, endowments
and excellences are ! and,
Secondly : How the sovereignty of God appears,
not only in his choice of instruments, but the way and
work in which he employs them. ! And herein the Lord
does not often conform to the judgment, or gratify the
wishes of his servants themselves. They prefer a par-
ticular place or line of operation ; but they find them-
selves unexpectedly in other situations and engage-
ments ; and though the providence may be trying at
126 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION'S OF CHARACTER.
first, after awhile grace produces acquiescence, and en-
ables the man to be thankful if in any mode or degree
he is honored to be useful.
I enter not into the case of Dr. Haweis' obtaining
the Living of Aldwinkle ; concerning which there was
a great difference of opinion, and several pamphlets
published. The late Dr. Bridges and my father-in-
law, the Eev. Edward Davies, also a beneficed clergy-
man, always defended him ; and this was probably the
case with others. I understood from Mr. "Winter that
Mr. Whitfield indeed much wished him to resign the
living ; and Lady Huntingdon advanced a very con-
siderable sum to satisfy or silence the complainant. I
have more than once heard the Doctor say, that he of-
fered to do an} 7 thing for the complainant, if he would
accept it as a distressed man, and not as an injured man ;
but as he demanded remuneration as a right, he could
do nothing without condemning himself.
The Doctor himself always avowed that the living
was put into his hands after he had clearly and fully
and repeatedly stated the only way in which he ought
and only could consent to receive it, without an act
of simony. But it made an impression generally
against him ; especially among those who judge not
according to the rectitude of the case, but the usages
of church jobbing. Some, not wanting in impartiality,
asked, Was it the avoiding the (perhaps) appearance
of evil ? and, Was it lovely and of good report?
The Doctor may, perhaps, be considered the first
man in the South Sea Mission. Some years before
the London Missionary Society was established, from
the accounts published by Captain Bligh and some
other navigators, HE was induced to choose, and bear
EEV. THOMAS HAWEIS, M.D. 127
the expense of preparing, two j^oung men to go as
missionaries to Otaheite, but who, as soon as they
were educated, ignobly and deceitfully preferred stay-
ing at home. This exceedingly disappointed and dis-
tressed him; but he now drew off his attention and
desire from the project and the place. When, there-
fore, this great and successful institution was formed,
he rejoiced, and early attached himself to it. He
preached the first sermon, at the first meeting at Spa
Fields Chapel, on 3 "behalf; and as the Directors and
Managers were a 1 <ss wher3 to begin, he naturally
and promptly d n itccl their view to scenes of labor
which had becom >. fainiiiarto his mind by much think-
ing and some effor ar .1 e: lense. And these were Ota-
lieite and Tongafe be- Ll most central and advan-
tageous stations for co ;ru lication and extension.
As an author, he put ' '?l\ed a volume of sermons and
several single discourses, with some essays and tracts.
But his principal works were an Exposition of the
whole Bible, in three volumes folio ; and a Church.
History, in three volume-' octavo. The former of these
has often been supposed ,> be an abridgment of Hen-
ry, but it was not so dedg< i, and is in reality a Com-
mentary of his own, possessing no little value. The
latter has been considered as i very hasty and superfi-
cial performance ; but ' ; LVK C the recommendation of
always nobly and simply Ic Aing after real and vital
Christianity ; and of frequently finding it and show-
ing it where lying ecclesiastics have overlooked it, or
anathematized it. It always breathes a most liberal
spirit towards his brethren among the Dissenters and
Methodists, He animadverts freely and judiciously
with regard to Constantino, and the consequences of
128 PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION'S OF CHARACTER.
his conversion to the Christian Church, while his ar-
guments against Miluer, with regard to penal enact-
ments in an Establishment, are unanswerable.
He had a peculiar confidence in himself, and a
readiness of address which never failed him. But this
rather injured him as a preacher, (and where has not
.this envied talent injured the owner ?) so that leaning
on his facility, he neglected retirement and study;
and commonly had company on the evenings of his
preaching, from which he seldom withdrew, till the
clerk arriving with the robes and three-bushel wig re-
minded him the time was up. Hence, though able to
do so much better, his sermons not only wanted meth-
od and consecutiveness, but were commonplace and
unctionless.
It is a bad thing when a man has acquired the knack
of preaching, and can talk on for an hour in the pulpit
without effort and without effect. In proportion as the
truths and doctrines we preach are well known and
familiar, so much the more necessary is it to retire and
meditate them much, that our own minds may he af-
fected by them, and that we may render them im-
pressive and interesting to those that hear us.
It is well for a young minister to feel difficulties ;
and if these induce him to retirement, study, and pray-
er, he will in time surpass, at least in efficiency and
usefulness, many who proudly towered above him at
the beginning. This is one of the cases in which the
first shall be last, and the last shall be first. To whom
was the admonition addressed,' "Meditate upon these
things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting
may appear unto all" ? Yet young men, who are not
REV. THOMAS HAWEIS, M.D. 129
Timothys, talk of the time when they finished their
studies !
As before the Gospel was preached in the churches
in Bath, Lady Huntingdon's chapel was a place of
fashionable resort, and as many careless creatures at-
tended, especially on the Lord's-day evenings, the Doc-
tor's style of address was too invariably terrific ; and
derived from such texts as these: "It is a fearful thing
to fall into the hands of the living God ;" " Who
among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?'' "De-
part, ye cursed," &c. But was this the more excellent
way ? Is there not danger that such tremendous ex-
pressions will lose their force by constant repetition ?
Is such horrifying declamation preaching the Gospel, and
bringing good tidings of great joy ? It would be well to
endeavor to ascertain what is the legitimate employment
of terror in an evangelical ministry. The use of it should
not be a preacher's pleasure, but pain ; and, as an old
writer says, " he should always utter a Divine threat-
ening as a judge would pronounce sentence of death
upon his son." Our subject is "the faithful saying
and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came
into the world to save sinners ;" and the value of ter-
ror only is as an auxiliary or motive to enforce the
reception of our message of pardon and peace. So the
apostles employed it : " Knowing the terror of the
Lord, we persuade men" to accept the mercy and grace
we hold forth, He hath " committed to us the minis-
try of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors
for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, w&
pray you in Chrises stead, be ye reconciled to God,"
The Poctor's manner also was high, and itot surH-.
ciently courteous to the common people.. ,Senee, after
6*
130 PRACTICAL ILLUSTltATIONS OF CHARACTER.
preaching long in Bath, the dissatisfied congregation
induced him to decline his ministry among them, and
also his attendance at the chapel. From this time he
constantly worshipped with us, till his death. I at-
tended him in his last illness, if it deserved the name, .
for, as he had no fears, so he had no pains, so entirely
was his end peace.
One thing he desired, and it was in character with
his love of the missionary enterprise. On the very
day of his death, one of the first class of missionaries
to Otaheite was expected in Bath. It is hardly possi-
ble to express the earnestness with which he wished to
see him before he breathed his last. He sent again
and again to my house, begging that if he called upon
me first I would instantly bring him to his dying bed.
He came he called upon me ; and, without asking
him to sit down, I hurried and introduced him. "We
found Dr. Haweis, like the expiring Simeon, saying,
with tears, " Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant de-
part in peace."
He left a large diary, which would have thrown
much light on the earlier periods and events of the
revival of religion in our own country ; but the son, a
clergyman, very opposite to his father's views, pre-
vented the use which I wished to have made of it.
By the way, how was it when Evangelism was so
persecuted in the nation, and our bishops were so
averse to its doctrines, that so many of the obnoxious
clergy were suffered to act so irregularly as to preach
for weeks and months together in places unconse-
crated and unlicensed, retaining their livings ; which
was the case with Berridge, Venn, Penticross, Grlascot
Haweis ?
EEV. THOMAS HAWEIS, M.D. 131
Dr. Haweis, speaking one day of "Whitfield's won-
derful voice, and of its force as well as sweetness and
variety of tone, said, he believed on a serene evening
it might be distinctly heard for very near a mile.
Was this possible ?
PART IY.
SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
REV. WILLIAM JAY.
SELECTIONS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
Mr. Jay to Hiss Davies, afterwards Mrs. Jay.
MY DEAREST LOVE, I always used to have a dis-
inclination to preacli at Bath, but I now think it long
to Sunday week. You know the reason. May we
have a happy and sanctified interview! I find the
longer I stay here the more I like the situation, and
the harder it will be to dissolve the connection. But I
wish to live having my conversation in heaven, and
then every place will be in some measure indifferent.
Yes, my love, let us determine to live as strangers and
pilgrims here, and plainly declare by our profession
and conduct that we seek a better country, that is a
heavenly. Not when we shall be incapable of pursu-
ing this world, and when our gust for early pleasure
shall be abated by old age ; but now, while our affec-
tions are so warm, and when so many are carried away
by the vanity of the world and the pride of life, let
us unreservedly dedicate ourselves to Grod, and present
ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to
Glod, which is our reasonable service. Nothing but
136 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
real religion can make us holy and nappy in any situa-
tion or relation. In proportion as it prevails we shall
find heaven begun below. If you should come to
Bath Saturday, should be glad. Let us, if possible,
visit Prior one day. Best respects to Mr. and Mrs.
D., to Mrs. Hall, if yet with you, and Miss Isabella.
The Lord bless you and help you, and
Yours, most affectionately,
TV. JAY.
CLIFTON, Feb. 2, 1789.
If you write, should be glad to know how dear Mr.
Tuppen is, and whether I may apprise Prior of our
coming.
Rev. Cornelius Winter to Mr. Jay
PANSWICK, Jan. 22, 1*790.
MY VERY DEAR BILLY, It is enough to have a
pretext of necessity to write to you, and my pen moves
freely; you have awakened all my tender sensations
by your late visit, and given me occasion to prove that
I cannot say to you as a great man once said to me at
the close of a family connection "I cast you off, now
sink or swim." No, my dear friend, to carry on the
idea, I believe if you were to sink, I should attempt
to dive for you ; but blessed be God you swim : may
you always keep your head above water, till you set
your feet on the shore of that wealthy place where
you shall find an everlasting abode. I hope you got
safe and comfortable to Hope Chapel on Saturday, and
found all well. Take proper care of your health, and
employ it for Him who hath 1 wed you and given him-
self for you.
OF THE UEV. WILLIAM JAY. 187
I have employed some thought about Paul and Saul,
and find Beza and Dr. Doddridge very candid. Dod-
dridge adopts Beza's criticism on Acts 13, 9. * *
* * * "While -writing this yours came to hand,
and is a conviction to me of our attachment being-
mutual. Friendship well grounded cannot be easily
alienated. Through various interruptions I have been
prevented from proceeding with my letter from the
day I received yours till now. To be sure the sermon
is in the press, and the advertisement which, precedes it
not to be altered or improved.
I wish it may not appear too consequential, if not
trifling. I repent that I have not spoken of you by an
epithet expressive of the affection of my heart, for the
world should know that you are dear to me. There is
a delicacy in the use of terms, and they sometimes
excite envy. My desire is that, in us, Cicero's remark
on Friends may be exemplified : " Absentes adsunt, et
egentes abundant, et imbecilles valent, et quod diffici-
lius dictu est, mortui vivunt."
Yesterday se'n-night Mr. Surrnan gave a call and
preached a sermon to us. I declare I was surprised to
hear him, and wonder not that he was invited to Ply-
mouth. What cannot the Lord do? May He con-
descend to give me a further proof of his power in my
present family. They all unite in love to you with
myself and Mrs. "Winter. Mr. Griffin is under inocu-
lation, and I trust will be brought abroad again. Eecol-
lect the hint I gave you about your parents, and when
you write to or see them, give my love to them. I
have a disposition to fill up the sheet, but I cannot.
I therefore only add, come and see us when you can,
138 SELECTIONS PROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
and thereby add to the- pleasure of my, very dear
Billy,
Ever yours affectionately in our dear Lord Jesus,
CORNELIUS WINTER.
I saw Mr. Ashburn the morning you left me, who
dropped a hint expressive of his approbation of what
he heard the night before.
Mr. Jay to Mr. Withers.
LONDON, 1793.
MY DEAR FRIEND, Having a leisure half-hour, I
said to myself I'll embrace this opportunity to write to
Mr. Withers. No sooner said than done, or at least
begun. I thank you for your letter, but not for your
apologies, as to your manner of writing, &c., &c.
These I put amongst Mrs. Withers' kind ceremonies
and cares when I am at your house. They are all bad
things belonging to good persons ; otherwise I should
be more severe with them. You may depend upon it
that I shall be always glad to see 3^011 and hear from
you, but you must treat me with less compliment. I
do not desire it : and I know I do not deserve it. I
must be under strange infatuation indeed to think
highly of myself. I have much to humble me. I am
every thing that 's bad. "In me dwelleth no good
thing." Whatever distinguishes me from others is the
undeserved gift of God ; and if, in any degree, I am
useful to my fellow creatures, 'tis u not I, but the grace
of Grod which is with me."
What fine wea 'her we have had for the ingathering
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 139
of the fruits of the earth. How has our blessed God
crowned the year with his goodness, and how lamenta-
ble is it that our world, so full of his mercy, should
be so empty of his praise ! Our fears were awakened,
but they have been more than disappointed, and may
we not hope that the same Grod will crown plenty with
peace. Though the prospect is not favorable, all things
are possible to Him. All creatures are under his con-
trol. The hearts of kings are in his hands. This is
all the comfort I have as to present affairs.
I had a blessed time last Sabbath-day morning in
preaching from these words : " Casting all your care
upon him; for he careth for you," 1 Peter, 5, 7. I
could not help wishing that a certain friend of mine
who resides under your roof had been with us. Well,
if Providence spares us to meet again, she may prob-
ably hear it second hand. Mrs. Jay unites with me
in kind respects to her ; thanking you all for your
very great kindness towards our dear boy, to whom,
through you, we transmit a few kisses, and a promise
not only of a horse but a whip too. "We have spent
half of our visit here, and shall be glad, after four more
Sabbaths, to return home. O why do I not long equally
to leave this bustling world to go to my heavenly and
everlasting home ? Why do I not long to depart to be
with Christ, which is far better ? I have sometimes
such views of this world and the next, that, if they
were realized in experience, I think I should be in
some measure what I ought to be, but alas, I have
much more religion in my head than in my heart;
and, with all my fine notions, I feel myself prone to
cleave to the dust, and to neglect my Saviour. But
my paper reminds me of the propriety of drawing to a,
140 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
close. Has Hymen yoked Mr. James yet? Tell him
lie must inform me if lie expect anything like an Epi-
tlialamium. I love botli of them, and hope Grod will
bless them. I know he will if my prayers are answer-
ed. I have not seen your daughter since I wrote last.
Desire her, when you write to her, to call upon us
again, and as often as she pleases. We know not
where to direct for her. You see I sometimes write to
yourself, and sometimes to Mrs. "Withers, but I always
mean both. You are, I trust, not only one in the com-
mon sense of the term, but one in Christ Jesus. May
your union, begun upon earth, continue in heaven. I
am, dear Sir, Yours, &c.
Mr. Jay to Mrs. Jay.
MY DEAREST LOVE, Last night I preached for the
Sunday morning Lecture, and in honor of the access-
ion of this family to the throne. Dr. Hunter prayed.
The congregation was large ; and just as I was con-
cluding the sermon there was a general consternation
and outcry. All was confusion and people treading
on one another, &c. It was rather dark, and the pul-
pit candles only were lighted. I saw something mov-
ing up the aisle towards the vestry. It was a bull !
we presume driven in by pick-pockets, or persons who
wished to disturb us. We were talking on the affairs
of the nation, and John Bull very seasonably came in.
But imagine what followed: the bull could not be
made to go backwards, nor could he be turned round :
five or six persons, therefore, held him by the horns ;
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 141
while the clerk, as if bewitched, gave out, in order to
appease the noise,
" Praise God, from "whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all creatures here below," etc.
O that the bull could but have roared here in com-
pliance with the exhortation! Hooked down from
the pulpit, and seeing the gentlemen who held him
singing with their faces lifted up, as if returning thanks
for this unexpected blessing, I was obliged to put my
hand before my face while I dismissed the congrega-
tion. This I think is enough for once. I long to re-
ceive a line from you to tell me all your plans. Love
to the dear children.
Yours, &c.
The same to the same.
MY DEAEEST LOVE, You may imagine that I am
always full of matter, but I assure you I have been
sitting a considerable time with my pen in hand not
knowing what to say. Love indeed would dictate a
thousand fond things, but I am not certain that they
would be most acceptable ; and I hope they are not
necessary. I would love, not in word only. I wish
to make my whole conduct a proof of my aifection
and esteeem= Tuesday evening I preached upon family
religion, and as an inference from the importance of
it, I exhorted young people to beware how they formed
connections : " How can two walk together except
they be agreed ?" Here I hope we are agreed, and I
142 SELECTIONS FEOM THE CORRESPONDENCE
trust we shall always " walk together as heirs of the
grace of eternal life, that our prayers be not hindered."
But I have been thinking that, notwithstanding there
is no disagreement between us, in our sentiments and
dispositions respecting religious exercises in the family,
as is the case with many, we may be more useful to
each other in our relation than we have been ; and
watch over, pray for, rebuke, exhort, teach, and com-
fort each other more than we have done. I know not
indeed why I should class you with myself herein.
But I am conscious of deficiency. I am to blame ;
nor in this instance only. I seem all wrong. I have
not half religion enough in my own soul to make me
useful to others or happy in myself: I frequently doubt
the truths I preach to others. I frequently fear lest,
having been useful to save others, I myself should be
a castaway : the conviction of my judgment goes far
beyond the experience of my heart. You cannot con-
ceive in. what an inferior light all sublunary objects
irequently appear to me ; and still I am looking to
and depending upon creatures. I might enlarge. In
the midst of all this there is some relief. 'tis well
to have light enough to see our darkness, and softness
enough to feel our hardness ; 'tis well that Jesus Christ
saves sinners ; that unworthiness is no bar ; and that
he provides strong consolation for those who have fled for
r<fuge. examine this character of the righteous;
when, O my soul, thou canst not derive comfort from
any other, ' Hast thou not fled for refuge T
x % * x #
Yours, &c.
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 148
ON THE DEATH OF TWO CHILDREN.
To Mr. N&wall, who was for upwards of fifty years a
member of Mr. Jay's Church, and for many years
deacon and treasurer.
Dated about September, 1805.
MY DEAR FRIEND, By a letter Mrs. Jay has this
morning received from Mrs. Lockyer, I am informed
of the very severe trial with which, the Lord has been
exercising you. Had I been at home I would have
hastened to comfort you at your dwelling, and have
mingled my tears with yours at the mouth of the
grave, under the loss of two dear children, 'lovely
children, removed almost at a stroke! But I hope
that though a poor worm has been absent, He has
been present, who has promised to be with us in trou-
ble, whose property it is to comfort them that are cast
down ; and who while he chastens can teach us out of
his law. Intervening objects are often removed that
He may be seen, and even death commands silence
that .He may be heard. And the blessed sufferer, the
sanctified sufferer, is the humble supplicant, who wipes
his eyes and says, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant
heareth." " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?"
In our judgments we readily acknowledge His right
to us and ours ; but when he comes to take his own,
how hard do we find it to say practically, " The will
of the Lord be done." But I am persuaded this is
your disposition this has been your praj^er ; this will
be your experience. He who knows our frame means
us to feel. He who .designs our profit by our pain, re-
quires us to feel. But he expects that we should qual-
ify and regulate the feelings of the creature by the
144 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
grace of the Christian. And why ? Because he has
provided for all our wants, knows that His grace is
sufficient for us, and that if \\ e ask, we shall have.
My prayers shall attend you through all this gloomy
scene, and if they are answered you will never be
afraid of trouble again. You will soon perceive rea-
son to say,- " It is good for me that I have been af-
flicted." In the multitude of your thoughts within
you, His comforts will delight your souls. You will
be enabled to say, " Well, my darling infants are not
lost, but provided for. The shepherd has gathered my
lambs with His arms, and now carries them in His
bosom. I shall find them again in yonder happy
world. I shall embrace them all perfect and immor-
tal."
" Our journey is a thorny maze,
But we march upwards still,
Forget the troubles of the ways,
Arid rest at Ziou's hill."
I cannot do justice to your affliction or my own
feelings; but I have snatched a few moments from
company and engagements, to show you that I sym-
pathize with you, and am, my dour Friend, yours 'to
serve in the Grospel of our dear Lord Jesus,
WILLIAM JAY.
To his daughter Stalira when very young, and while he
f tvas cilmnt -in, London.
[We give the following as a beautiful specimen
both of his condescension to the capacity of a child,
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 145
and of the tender and pious affection with which he
watched over his children.]
MY VERY DEAR STATIRA,. I assure you I intended
writing when I left home, and before I knew von had
desired your mamnia to ask me to do it, "but I was
ranch pleased to learn that yon wished it. It shows
that yon value my notice, and proofs of this notice
yon shall never want, while yon continue to act as
yon have done. * * " x " Oh. if children did but
t/ /
consider the satisfaction they give their parents by
being good, they would never be naughty. But their
good conduct is not only attended with pleasure to
their parents, but with peace and comfort to their own
minds. It gains them the approbation of all around
them ; yea, it pleases God, who gives us all we enjoy,
and on whose favor and blessing all our happiness de-
pends. I do not know anything so lovely as a little
girl of your size when she is good-natured, and not
selfish, fond of reading and improvement, obedient to
her mamma, and when she loves the Scriptures, and
the Sabbath,, and (rod's house ; and often prays,
" Make me to walk in thy commands,
'Tis a delightful road ;
Nor let my head or heart or hands
Offend against my God,"
and such, I have a full persuasion, I shall always find
my dear and last-born child. I promise myself much
pleasure for years to come in endeavoring to train you
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and in
making you an amiable and useful member of society.
But you, my dear Statira, may die, or papa may die,
or mamma may die, and no more feel the kisses of
7
146 SELECTIONS PROM THE COEEESPONDENCE
their darling upon their cheeks morning and evening,
but be laid in the cold grave ; yea, we must all die,
and so part sooner or later ; and, therefore, we must
so live here as not to be parted hereafter, but indulge
the pleasing hope of living together forever in heaven.
I hope you feel much obliged to Mr. Bolton for his
attentions. Tell him I thank him much on your be-
half, and shall be glad to repay him in any way in my
power, in addition to my having given him (I hope
she is) a good wife. ****
I long to see Percy Place again, and one of the prin-
cipal reasons is to see and embrace again my dear
Statira, and to prove by more than a hasty and im-
perfect letter, that
I am, my darling girl, your affectionate and devoted
father,
WM. JAY.
LONDON, October 30, 1812.
To the same.
MY DEAE SWEET PEA, How I long for the time
when I shall see thy image and thyself once more in
my garden ! But "to everything there is a season ;"
and we must learn to deny ourselves and wait. Nei-
ther should I object to view some other flowers in my
little Eden, or even one or two birds. O when will
that spring or summer arrive? Bat I must not sin
against the rule I have just laid down ; and, therefore,
instead of giving way to impatience, I will try to write
on. I hope you will find this journey useful and im-
proving. It is in your power to render it so by keep-
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 147
mg your attention awake, and suffering nothing to
pass unobserved. Listen to what is said by persons
of any talent in company, especially when they speak
upon those subjects with which they are most familiar ;
and they who have no general information may be
well versed in their own line, and commonly talk well
concerning it. I some time ago overtook a little
sweep. I did not suppose he could criticise Milton nor
Locke, but there was one thing he understood better
than I did ; and before we separated, I knew how to
climb a chimney. Not that I mean to set up in this
calling. I am too big, too old, and fully occupied
with some other things; but I love to learn, and I
meet with few but are able to teach. Search your
head all over, and if you find two ears, and only one
tongue, be always more ready to hear and slow to
speak ; and when you speak, speak with diffidence and
modesty. A forward, bold, decisive tone is never
agreeable in a man ; in a youth it is always offensive,
but in a girl it is intolerable. You know how Miss
was disliked and neglected after her father's
death, for the freedom with which, in every circle, she
delivered her opinion of men and things. Always
say little of characters, and let this little as much as
possible be in a way of commendation. Be less dis-
posed to remark blemishes than excellences ; and let
it appear that you can discern and acknowledge merit
of any kind with pleasure. Grain some little addition
every day to your mental stores, and remember the
axiom, " To him that hath shall be given ;" that is,
diligence and use increase what is good, both by their
natural tendency, and the Divine blessing upon our.
endeavors. Be fond of composition ; accustom your-
148 SELECTIONS FEO3I T r TE CORRESPONDENCE
self to write down, with as much accuracy and clear-
ness as you can, every interesting occurrence, or any
train of thought. I wish you to have a resource of
pleasure through life, not only in reading, but in writ-
ing. I am glad you go on with your French. When
you come home you must teach me to pronounce and
speak it. I should be glad to receive a letter from
you in this language. I am sure you are able to write
it, especially under the eye of Mr. Bolton. How would
it surprise Bella and mamma, and sharpen their cu-
riosity when they opened it, as they always do so
greedily every letter from Liverpool. How dependent
will they feel, and come and beg of me the contents !
I hope you rise early and take proper exercise. I hope
also you ivalk well and sit well ; for I know a few
weeks back, some considerable improvement was re-
quired in both. .Some attention to each of these is
the more necessary as you seem determined to be tall ;
and the want of gracefulness is more observed in a tall
figure than in a short. Mrs. "William Evill is rapidly
declining, and funeral rites will early follow nuptial
solemnities. At present she seems to decline seeing
any one ; but I hope she is becoming sensible of her
condition, though this flattering disorder may well be
called, "a slow sudden death," and that by-and-bye I
shall have some improving intercourse with her. In
the space of four days I attended no less than four
funerals. I endeavored to improve them all in a ser-
mon from 2 Corinthians, v. 1, " For we know that
if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,"
&c., in which I observed, we have -
1. An object contemplated' " the earthly house of
this tabernacle."
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 149
2. An event supposed the destruction of it "if it
be dissolved."
3. A privilege apprehended "a building of Grod, a
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
4. A confidence expressed "we know" that we
have thib a confidence of belief a confidence of hope
a confidence of possession not we shall have, but
we have, &c.
When I mentioned Mr. , I said, " He was un-
known to many of you ; but he was well known in
the world of sport and dissipation. He formerly dis-
tinguished himself on the turf, and obtained a subsist-
ence by horse-racing. But this course of life for many
years back he had abandoned ; and reviewed it with
that godly sorrow that worketh repentance unto life,
not to be repented of. The revival of early instruc-
tion from pious parents, by the death of a beloved and
only son, brought him to religious reflection. He was
a man of a most warm and generous disposition, and
delighted to do good, especially in visiting the father-
less and the widows in their afflictions, and attending
the bed of pain and sickness;" and when I added, "in
the afternoon he passed my house, in the evening or-
dered his nephew to read the 6th chapter of St. John,
prayed with his family , retired comfortably to rest,
awoke at eleven, complained of a pain in his stom-
ach,' said, 'Come, Lord Jesus,' and in the twinkling
of an eye expired," there was a half-fetched involun-
tary groan through the audience, that made it very
solemn. What I said of , was this: "She was
an interesting infant ; a sufferer from the hour of her
birth ; her early and continued affliction she endured
with a patience above her years, and often spoke of
150 SELECTIONS FBOM THE COBRESPONDEIsrCE
God and heaven in language very unusual for one un-
der five years of age. This is an event of congratula-
tion rather than of condolence. At the grave of a
child we always feel a peculiar satisfaction, arising from
the persuasion that they are disposed of infinitely to
their advantage. Under the protracted illness of this
little martyr, the Saviour said to the parents ' Suffer
this little child to come unto me, and forbid her not,
for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' The Shepherd
has gathered this lamb with his arms, and now carries
it in his bosom." Of Mrs. I said : " She was
for many years a member of our church, and walked
consistently with her profession. She was a plain, in-
offensive, upright character. There was nothing dis-
tinguishing in her life, and her dying experience was
the same. Through her lengthened disease, she was
patient and submissive, often complained of herself, and
felt alternately the prevalence of fear and hope ; and I
am persuaded that HE who does not ' break a bruised
reed nor quench the smoking flax' has received her."
" Mr. J ," I said, " many of you were acquaint-
ed with. I see several of his companions in iniquity
here this evening. O that your former associate could
now address } r ou. We have reason to hope and be-
lieve that he saw and deplored the errors of his con-
duct, and has obtained the mercy for which he so ear-
nestly prayed. His language was penitential. His
concern to warn and admonish others was striking,
and he drew whatever relief he felt from the Friend
of sinners. But 0, ye bereaved neighbors, friends, and
relations, my business lies not with the dead, but with
the living. They have done with all below. Then-
state is now fixed, and their happiness or misery can-
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 151
not be affected by your opinions or my representations,
were I disposed to condemn or eulogize. They are
beyond the reach of the Gospel, but you are yet in the
land of the living, and have another opportunity to
hear the merciful admonition { Seek the Lord while
he may be found, and call upon him .while he is near.'
"What is your duty but to retire, and, falling upon
your knees, pray with Moses, ' So teach us to number
our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.'
And what is wisdom ? What is that wise part crea,-
tures circumstanced as you are ought to act ? Is it
not to prefer your souls to your bodies, and the reali-
ties of eternity to the vanities of time ? Is it not to
seek without delay pardon and renovation ? a title to
heaven, and a meetness for it ? You talk of happi-
ness, uncertain as you are of life. I defy you to be
happy without a hope beyond the grave. He he
only is happy who can look forward with humble con-
fidence and say ' We know that we have a building
of God, a house not made with hands,' &c."
You complain of inability to fill your sheet Look
at the size of my paper, and see my lines, not wide
apart like the hedges of a London road ; nor the whole
begun two or three inches down from the top. But
how am I to fill up the remainder of this folio ? I have
no other news to communicate, except, indeed, a sub-
ject that is always new, and which I hope you love,
the love of Jesus the love of Him who, though he
was rich, for our sakes became poor, and died that we
might live. You have often heard me repeat his en-
couraging assurance : "Him that cometh unto me I will
in no wise cast out," and you know (0 what a privi-
lege !) that to come to him is to believe his word, and
152 SELECTIONS FJiOM THE CORRESPONDENCE
call upon his name. But while he rejects none, he
peculiarly regards some. " Feed," says he, "feed my
lambs" " 1 love them that love me, and they that
seek me early shall find me ;" that is, find him. as oth-
ers never will, never can. And the case speaks for it-
self; for if religion can preserve us from snares and
embarrassments ; if it can make us amiable and use-
ful ; if it be profitable unto all things ; if it yields the
truest pleasure, the sooner it is possessed in the same
proportion, the more are we privileged, and, next to
the realit}^ of their conversion, I am persuaded the
people of God daily bless him for the earliness of it,
if they have been thus favored ; and the greater part
of them are called long before they are advanced in
years. 0, my dear Statira, what a season is youth :
of the day of life it is the morning ; of the year it is
the spring. And how much depends upon seizing the
one, and improving the other! How desirable is it
to sanctify the present in every kind of preparation
for the future; and before the journey is begun, such
a journey as we have before us, to secure a guide, a
guard, a friend who will never leave us nor forsake
us. I trust, my dear child, that you are placing your-
self under his conduct, and saying " I will go forth
in the strength of the Lord."
My time of going to London is now fixed. My visit
commences the last Sabbath in May, and takes in the
three first in June. Either in my way thither or back,
I am to preach a sermon at Newport Pagnell, in favor
of Mr. Bull's Academy there ; and I am also request-
ed, at the same time, to preach before the Bedfordshire
Union, at Bedford, along with Mr. Hall.
Your affectionate and. devoted father, &c.
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 153
To the Same.
BATH, May 23, 1810.
MY DEAR SWEET PEA,' Though the last blown,
yet not the least loved of all my flowers. I wish I had
more time to write ; but my preparation for the ap-
proaching journey to London leaves me very little.
But the length of my last must atone for the brevitjr
of the present ; and remember you have to boast of
receiving the longest letter papa ever wrote. I sup-
pose by this time Mi. Spear and his daughters, who
accompanied him to Broomsgrove, are returned, and
you are probably thinking of returning to Liverpool.
But you must not suffer the little nephew or niece to
make you impatient. If you should feel it to be a
self-denial to be absent from them, you must exercise
it. This virtue is indeed of such constant and univer-
sal utility, that we cannot begin to cultivate it too
soon. "We cannot expect to have everything accord-
ing to our niind as we pass through a world like this :
it is not fit we should, and, therefore, we must learn
to bear disappointment, and be able easily and grace-
fully to accommodate ourselves to every "changing
scene. Hitherto your way has been smooth, the lines
have fallen to you in pleasant places ; your wishes
have been generally, if not invariably, gratified.
"All -without thy care and payment,
All thy wants are Avell supplied."
But you cannot reckon upon a perpetual exemption
from inconvenience and trial. " Truly the light is
sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold
the sun ; but if a man live many years, and rejoice in
7*
154 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
them all ; yet let Mm remember the days of darkness ;
for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity."
I would not by future forebodings prevent your en-
joying the kindnesses which Providence affords you
at this pleasing period of life, but I know youth is
sanguine, its hopes are too glaring, and require to be
sobered by that prudence which results from experi-
ence and observation. You ought ever to be thankful
for the comforts and indulgences of your condition.
But do you not feel your need of something better ?
Is there not an emptiness in the midst of all ? Yes,
and the world will never fill it ; but He can who mer-
cifully cries " Seek ye me, and ye shall live." And
those dissatisfactions which attend all creature-good
are the inspirations of the Almighty to give us under-
standing, and to make us wise unto salvation. I hope,
my precious girl, that you are listening to his voice,
and dedicating yourself to his service, which they who
have tried know to be perfect freedom. Having given
yourself unto the Lord, I trust I shall have the pleas-
ure, after your return, to witness your " giving your-
self also to his Church, by the will of God." In Dr.
Doddridge's little volume of Sermons to Young Peo-
ple, there is a discourse on the subject of "Early Com-
munion," which I wish you to read. I dare say Mr.
Spear has it. I hope, wherever you are, that you not
only devote some time to private devotion and reading
the Scripture, but that you look over the books you.
meet with in the house where you visit, and read as
much as possible of those you have not seen before.
Of course I do not mean that you should shut your-
self up from enjoying the prospects of nature at this
season, and the society of your friends ; but there are
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 155
many moments to be seized which carelessness over-
]ooks. It is by making use of these, and by early ris-
ing, that I have obtained much of the little I possess.
Like the bee, be always extracting materials for honey.
Yesterday morning, I was invited to breakfast at Mr.
Hallet's, and to give the new- wedded pair my advice
and blessing. But how changeable and chequered is
every earthly scene ! No sooner had the party return-
ed from church, than Mr. Griffith, sen., was called out
of the room to be informed that his only brother at
Frome was just killed by leaping from a sociable, the
horses of which had taken fright. This damped the
joy of the season. But he was a very holy man, an
occasional preacher in Mr. Wesley's connection, and
at the time of the accident so people call it, I should
rather say appointment he was returning from preach-
ing in a village. He was a widower, and has left no
child, but the poor will exceedingly miss him, for. he
was a father to them, and a fine image of Him who
went about doing good.
On Saturday morning we set off for London. Miss
Shepherd goes with us far as Hammersmith. "We are
all longing for the time when we hope, under the
smiles of a gracious Providence, to " meet and mingle
into bliss," to kiss, and cry tears of joy.
Your affectionate and devoted father, &c.
To his son Edward, at Wymondly College.
BATH, March 2, 1816.
# * * * *
1 urge you be sparing in your remarks on character.
They who hear them may report them inaccurately,
156 SELECTIONS FKOM THE COKKESPOJSTDENCE
and with exaggeration ; and as the consequence you
will, when charged with them, be tempted to deny, or
perplexed to explain and qualify. But I wish to deter
you bj r a better principle, the command of Him who
has said, " Speak evil of no man." " Be swift to hear,
and slow to speak." "Love every one and every one
will love you." " Who is he that will harm you if you
be a follower of that which is good ?" While you talk
little (especially concerning persons) observe much. Be
continually adding a little to your mental stores. Ac-
custom yourself to composition ; put down your
thoughts on paper with as much accuracy and clear-
ness and celerity as you can be master of I long for
you to be able to sermonize. Whenever a text strikes
3^ou turn it over in your mind, and endeavor to divide
it. If 3^011 cannot satisfy yourself the effort will do
you good' exertion will prepare for exertion; and
thought will produce thought. While you attempt
much you must not be discouraged, if at first the result
be little. The infant bird practices his wings, as he
stands up in the nest : then gets upon the edges of it :
then upon the neighboring boughs: and then takes
short excursions, before he flies his more daring lengths ;
and " to him that hath shall be given," as the natural
consequence of use and improvement, and as also the
effect of the Divine blessing. You cannot begin so
low as I did ; but I felt a love to study bordering on
enthusiasm ; and despaired of nothing ; not from a high
opinion of my capacity, but an apprehension that dili-
gence, with the Divine assistance,- (which he had gra-
ciously disposed my heart to seek,) would do wonders.
I was placed indeed in a situation peculiarly suited to
the cast of rm mind, and never wanted for excitations
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 157
and encouragements. And you, my dear boy, have
great advantages at present, and the prospect of every
future help and direction. Trials you would have in any
line of life ; but in the sacred calling to which you are
looking forward, you will be sheltered much from a
stormy and wicked world; you will have opportunity for
intellectual and pious improvement; you will enjoy
the pleasure of being useful, and of doing good ; and
if you act from principle, when the chief Shepherd
shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that
fadeth not away. Let me know whether you are able
to read niy writing. I shall feel a pleasure in corre-
sponding with you. Write when you have an oppor-
tunity, and write with freedom. All join in love.
Your very affectionate Father, &c.
To the same.
BATH, March 2, 1818.
I WRITE according to my promise, but I believe I
must in future alter my epistolary day, and make it
Tuesday instead of Monday ; as of late I feel so ener-
vated by the anxieties and labors of the Sabbath, that
on the Monday I exist rather than live. I wish also
not only to please you by a few lines monthly, but to
render my letters instructive and useful ; and when I
feel as I do to-day I can scarcely command a thought,
and every effort fatigues. I believe, should my days
be prolonged, that I shall be a very premature old
man. I began early. I was emulous to advance. I
labored under a thousand disadvantages from which
you are free ; and being, from the first, thrown into
158 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COKRESPONDENCE
popular and trying situations which had great claims
upon me, I applied myself with more unrelaxing ten-
sion of mind than my frame (never remarkably strong)
could bear; and I now begin to. feel peculiarly the ef-
fect of it. This I think I may say without vanity re-
garding myself or ill-nature towards others. This is
not the common failing of the students and younger
ministers of the present day. I wish to perceive in
them a habit of greater application and diligence, a
greater sense of the value of time ; and the importance
of their work as also more of an humble and devotion-
al spirit. I can make allowance for some things in
young ministers which I could not tolerate in older :
but still, as the apostle says, " A bishop must be grave,"
a general sedateness of speech and behavior is so
becoming in him, that, whatever be his talents, he will
never inspire respect without it. It was to young
Timothy Paul said, "Let no man despise thy youth;"
but for his purpose, " Be thou an example of the be-
lievers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit,
in faith, in purity. Give attendance to reading, to
exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is
in thee. Meditate upon these things ; give thyself
wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear unto all.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy doctrine, continue
in them ; for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself
and them that hear thee." It is a great thing in all
our private and social intercourse to be cheerful without
being light ; and serious without being sad, or appear-
ing sanctimonious. Some few ministers, even in ear-
lier life, have attained this excellency. Let them be
your models, rather than pulpit flirts and fiddles, and
your story-telling parsons, whose sole ambition in com-
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 159
pany seems to be to make mirth ; and who generally
succeed so well, that they are not 'only laughed with,
but laughed at. Nothing is more lovely in a student
and a minister than a freedom from everything dicta-
torial and dogmatical in his manner of address. It
becomes him rather to listen than to speak, to in-
quire than to controvert. Not that he is obliged to
believe everything that he hears, even from a senior,
or to admit without evidence ; but he must dissent
with seeming reluctance, propose his doubts with mod-
esty, and appear to distrust his own judgment rather
than depreciate that of another. Speak with warmth
(and let it come from the heart) as much as you
can in commendation and praise of others; but
" speak evil of no man ;" "Love all and all will love
you." " Who is he that will harm you if you are a
follower of that which is good ?" and though spirit-
ual religion can never be relished by depraved minds,
yet " he that in these things serveth Christ is accepta-
ble to God and approved of men."
I have been a Sabbath at Marlborough, where the
prospect is delightful. Mr. Williams of Shrewsbury
(now Sir J. B. Williams) is publishing memoirs from
the diary of Mrs. Savage, daughter of Philip, and sis-
ter of Mathew, Henry, for which I have written a
pretty long preface at his desire, &c.
To the same.
BATH, May 9, 1819.
* * * I AM sorry for the interruption your
studies will again sustain in your long absence from
160 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
"Wymondley. The plan of attending lectures in Lon-
don, too, does not strike me as of much importance ;
as however it is appointed and seems a privilege
shown a few of you for good conduct, you must avail
yourself of it ; and you may turn it to advantage. It
is a great recommendation to be able to read and pro-
nounce well ; but then it must appear to be natural ;
primness and affectation always displeases more than
simple and earnest vulgarity. The great thing is to for-
get one's-self) and to speak with seriousness and affection-
ate feeling. Feeling is always eloquent; and if the
preacher be obviously affected, and appears concerned
to do good, and not to gain applause, he will always be
felt, and always approved. Nothing also is more be-
coming, in a young minister especially, than an appa-
rent consciousness of the importance and difficulty of
Ilis work; an ^^forwardness to engage; a diffidence
and modesty ; in a word, the very reverse of what we
see in many of the assuming, pert, bold, fearless, self-
sufficient, and self-admiring academies of the day.
Keep this to yourself. I take care how I reflect upon
the sprigs of divinity before others, as there is too
much readiness to censure young ministers among
modern hearers already ; and I am thankful to see that
all are not alike, and I can reprove when I do not
wish to condemn. I hope tutors will be increasingly
attentive to the spirit and manner of students, both in
the pulpit and in the parlor. Let me beseech }'ou, my
dear son, to keep j^our eye upon the best models, and
pray for grace to conform to them. With regard to
what is exceptionable in others, keep as far from it as
you can, but never talk about it. It can do no good,
and may be easily ascribed (before a man's character is
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 161
highly established) to ill-nature or envy ; and one of
the worst features of many of the students and young-
preachers of the day, is an unbounded license in speak-
ing of oth -is, especially their brethren. Speak evil
therefore of no one, but let the law of innocence and
kindness dwell upon your tongue. But to mark the
improprieties of others for your own improvement
that is, in order to avoid them this is a different
thing ; and while you keep your mouth shut, you must
keep your eyes and ears open.
4f -5t -if 7f 4fr
Your devoted father, &c.
To Sir J. R Williams.
On the very sudden death of John Lee, Esq., the Gentleman to whom,
several of Mr. Winter's Letters, introduced into Mr. Jay's Life of
Winter, were addressed.
BATH, October 9th, 1818.
MY DEAR SIB, You will doubtless wonder that I
have not noticed your very affecting letter earlier ; but
I was from home when it arrived, and I have been
again from home on pressing business; and while
having more to do than usual I have been very un-
well, first in nry head, and then in my bowels, so that
I have dragged on heavily and been fit for nothing.
But be assured your communication was not received
without producing that interest which a sincere and
warm friendship requires. I wept with those that
weep, and I prayed with those that pray. Tell the
bereaved family how much I sympathize with them,
and what a persuasion I have that the Gfod of my de-
162 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
parted friend will be " the Father of the fatherless, and
the husband of the widow in his holy habitation," and
in their own. How surprising was the event! How
well he seemed when I shook hands with him, alas !
for the last time, at the coach-door ! I knew the year
before he sometimes complained, but was not aware
that the least danger of such an issue was attached to
the complaint. "Well, nothing has occurred by chance ;
a sparrow falls not to the ground without our heavenly
Father, and the very hairs of our head are all num-
bered. And be it remembered ever, that while He
does all things, he does all things well. His dispen-
sations are not only sovereign, but wise, righteous, and
kind kind even when they seem to be severe. We
may be unable to explain them at present; but " we
know that the Messias cometh, which is called Christ,
and when he is come he will tell us all things." Till
then, let us walk by faith, and give him a full credit
for the goodness of his designs, and the manner in
which they are accomplished. This is the way the
only way to reach rest in a world like this. " Thou
wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed
upon thee, because he trusteth in thee." Though we
must not dictate, but leave it to God to determine by
what death we shall glorify him, such a dismission as
our lovely friend was favored with has always ap-
peared to me very enviable. The partings,
" The pains, the groans, the dying strife
Fright our approaching souls away," &e.
Here all this was prevented ; and we can say over his
grave,
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 163
" A soul prepared needs no delays,
The summons comes, the saint obeys,
Swift was his flight and short the road,
He closed his eyes, and woke with God."
I felt, too, for the shock your good wife must have
felt in her delicate situation ; and hope she is now dis-
burdened, and has forgotten her anguish for joy that
a man is born into this world. Eemenaber me to her ;
and to all the dear afflicted house, where I was so cor-
dially entertained. I do bear, and I will bear them
all upon my mind at the throne of grace that refuge,
that resource of benevolence and friendship. I had
three funeral services to perform last week only.
What a dying world !
Yours to esteem and serve, &c.
To Miss Harman.
LTMOTJTH, August 11, 1830.
MY DEAR Miss HARMAN,' Your very acceptable
parcel arrived just before we set off from Bath. I am
much obliged by both the works, but you should not
have had them bound so expensively. Baxter's " Life"
we took with us, with some other mental and spiritual
provender; but when we got out of the coach at
Briclgewater, we left the parcel in the boat, and as
there was no direction upon it, we did not recover it
till two days ago. Though generally acquainted with
Baxier and his works, 1 find much that is new and in-
teresting in the " Life," for you must know I have
nearly devoured it already, and even the charms of
this God-made spot could not draw me off from the
164 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
perusal. Your lamented friend and pastor* Las, I
think, done much justice to this extraordinary man ;
to his character, and to his publications to the excel-
lences and infirmities of the one, and the orthodoxy
and errors of the other ; and I hope the book will be
largely circulated. Henry says it is impossible to read
the book of Psalms and not be inflamed or ashamed
by the perusal. I say the same of this work. But I
fear I shall be more shamed than fired. "What piety !
what diligence ! what sufferings ! what patience and
submission ! "Well, by the grace of God he was what
he was ; and the God of all grace remains the same,
and is within our reach in all that we call upon him
for.
Instead of growing tired of this Swiss village, we
admire it more than ever. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury
have been here four days with us ; and though they
have travelled much over our country, they prefer this
to everything they have seen. They occupied the
room?/<m would have slept in, could I have had power
enough to overcome your good father's objections.
Give my kindest love to him notwithstanding, for we
are bound to forgive; nor forget your dear mother,
who, I believe, pleaded for us. We all lament your
absence ; and Mrs. Jay and Miss Protheroe send their
most lovingest regards. I wish I could give a better
account of my most dear wife ; but she is very poorly,
and can hardly enjoy any of the pleasures of the ]:>lace.
This is a sad deduction. " Full bliss is bliss Divine."
The weather, too, at present is much against her. To
supply your place imperfectly, a young pious lady,
and an old acquaintance, Miss Browning, from Ilfra-
* Rev. W. Ornie, of Cambevwell.
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 165
combe, lias come over to take lodgings near us, and
we find others are coming. But I wish not for more.
I wish to be entirely disengaged ; not, however, to be
idle, but to be at liberty to use my pen, and I do use
it daily, as much as comports with the design of the
excursion. What a work is this in France ! I trust
no violence and excess will mar it ; yet I could wish
that the wretched family of the Bourbons was entirely
excluded. I always felt a persuasion that Providence
would destroy it. Much yet remains to be done in
the Popish countries. Adieu, my dear Miss Harrnan.
The Lord bless thee and keep thee.
Yours, &c.
To his son Edward.
LONDON, June, 1832.
I FULLY intended returning home to-morrow, but
circumstances have determined us to go round by
Henley, as Mr. Bolton is not very well. I cannot,
therefore, be at home before Thursday evening ; and,
therefore, it will be necessary to engage some one to
preach. "We shall be taken up at Eeading by the
new company's coach. I have secured our places.
Anne comes by the same coach to-morrow ; let her be
looked out for, and see that her parcels be safe. Your
precious mother is pretty well upon the whole ; but
she has been too much excited, and I long to get her
home. We have been much crowded. Last Fridajr
I dined at the Lord Mayor's, and met a very agreeable
and interesting compairy, the lion of which was His
Highness the Eajah Eammohun Eoy. You cannot
imagine what a full-minded, and clever, and agreeable
166 SELECTIONS FKOM THE CORRESPONDENCE
man lie is ; always more than a matcli for any one
wlio disputed with him, especially the Tories and we
had several of them. As it was ' known that he was
to hear me at Surrey Chapel last evening, we were not
only full, but hundreds went away. He came in his
carriage, ten minutes before six, with Dr. Henry and
Archdeacon Stockport, and was conducted to a good
place for seeing and hearing. His fine figure, and his
rich and elegant costume, attracted every eye. He
was observed to give great attention, and frequently
jogged his companions without taking off his eye from
the pulpit. I preached an hour and a quarter, raised
above the fear of man by previous retirement. When
it was over, he said, loud enough to be heard by many.
" I must have this sermon, and publish it." He came
into the house, with immense difficulty pressing
through the crowd in the yard, all waiting to see
him. The house also, in both rooms, was full. The
pleasure he expressed from hearing the sermon, before
all the people present, was really affecting. It so com-
pletely met with his sentiments, he said, that he hoped
I would not deny him the sermon to publish himself,
and circulate among his friends. I tried to decline,
till delicacy would permit it no longer ; and so I have
committed myself, and must write it out as soon as I
come back, for he is going to the Continent in a few
weeks. Dr. Henry and the archdeacon were especially
delighted ; and when I said to the former, " Doctor, I
fear 3^011 have suffered from the crowd and the heat,"
he replied, " Sir, I felt nothing but the sermon." You
sec, my dear boy, I keep back nothing from you ; but
I could not say all this to others-. Grarfit does not
seem amended. I have just walked with him to the
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 167
Mansion House. The Lord Mayor could not attend
yesterday, but the Lady Mayoress was present with, a
very "splen did carriage. Kindest regards to Mrs. Bur-
ton ; and kiss Margaret for me, if you do not object
to it.
Your affectionate father, &c.
To ike Rajah Rammoliun Roy.
SIR, I herewith transmit the manuscript of the
sermon you so candidly heard, and, so unexpectedly
to the preacher, wished to see and to circulate. I could
not send it earlier, owing to my travelling, and the nu-
merous engagements and interruptions I met with im-
mediately on my return. Your Highness will observe
that I had not written the sermon previously, but de-
livered it from short notes only ; and, therefore, I
should have had more difficulty in recalling the lan-
guage as well as the sentiments, had not a friend fur-
nished me with a short-hand copy. In consequence
of this the discourse will be found more than substan-
tially the same with what was spoken from the pulpit.
In the very trifling alterations I have made, I did not
attempt to reduce the free and popular mode of address
I assumed, and which was so requisite in so very large
and mixed a multitude of hearers. For want of this
many preachers preach inefficiently, or sacrifice im-
pression on the mass to the gratification of the few-
The manner of the Great Teacher sent from Grod may
be inferred from the reproach, which was yet an eulo-
gium, "the common people heard him gladly."
It is presumed that the: % e may be some few things in
168 SELECTIONS FliOM THE CORRESPONDENCE
the discourse in which, your Highness may not entire-
ly coincide ; but it afforded me pleasure to conclude
from your request that, upon the whole, and as having
some useful bearings, it has met your Highness' ap-
probation. I commend it to the Divine influence ;
and, imploring the blessing of Grod upon your High-
ness, permit me to subscribe myself,
Your Highness' obliged and humble servant,
WILLIAM JAY.
BATH, June 29, 1832.
To his Son Edward.
"WEYMOUTH, August 22, 1832.
I DROP you a line to say we received the basket of
fruit safe and sound. * * * * So your precious
mother instantly made up a- nice little present for Lord
and Lady W , who were at the Eoyal Hotel, in
their way back from Guernsey to Sidniouth, and who,
hearing of us, called, and said, if I preached on the
Sunday they would stay over the day. They did so ;
and this gave me an opportunity of several interviews.
I like them both much, as far as I have conversed
with them. She knows the truth, and I really believe
feels the power of it; and is resisting all the fanati-
cism that rages in the West of England, and all around
Sidrnouth. He seems very amiable and promising,
nnd is exceeding! y attached to his wife. He is a thor-
o i/
ough Whig ; says lie was a member for one of his
father's rotten boroughs, but was bound hand and foot,
and obliged to vote on the wrong side, and would not
endure the farce any longer. Ho says he reads my
OF THE KEV. WILLIAM JAY. 169
u Exercises" every clay, and uses my "Prayers." They
much wish to come and live in the near neighborhood
of Bath. * * * * Give my best regards to our
elders and friends, and let them be immediately in-
formed of my return. They will see that I have not
encroached upon their kindness, taking in part but
two Sabbaths, for the other pertained to my month of
privilege. But where love actuates, we do not need
restraints and rules. I love home, and never preach
with so much pleasure as in Argyle Chapel, where I
have employed for God the flower, yea, the far larger
part, of my whole life. And, blessed be His name,
lie has not withholden tokens of his approbation. I
refer not only to my own church, but to strangers
also who occasionally attend there. A lady who lives
in a neighboring village called in her carriage the other
morning, and said that eighteen years ago she was at
Bath with her gay companions, but felt an inclination
one evening to leave them and go to Argyle. I preach-
ed, she said, from " Is not this a brand plucked out
of the fire ?'' From that time she left the world, and
has been ever since not only blessed, but a blessing.
She came to hear me on Sabbath morning, and I have
been to her house.
Tell Mrs. Hallet and Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, with my
kindest respects, that Mrs. Chamberlaine is to be mar-
ried very soon to a gentleman, a local Wesleyan preach-
er at Colne. I had this from herself. Mrs. Parsons
also is not without hope, though she lost her admirer
here some time ago : another is coming forward with
only seven children ! Well done, little Cupid ! All
join in dearest love to all, with, &c.
8
170 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COUKESPONDENCE
To Miss Harman.
June 29, 1832.
MY DEAR Miss HABMAN, You know how I admire
that precious little text, " By love serve one another."
Could it be brought into general operation, it would
soon turn our wretched earth into " a garden of the
Lord." I believe I know you have no objection to it,
for we have long put it to the test. But I am never
very prolix in my introductions. This, therefore, is to
say that, coming to London, and returning from it, we
had some coffee at Thatcham after dinner ; we think it
the best we ever drank ; and Miss Fromont told us
she bought it of Mr. North, near the Bridewell Hos-
pital, Blackfriars. Will you, therefore, when you go
by, call there, and purchase for us four pounds, and
send it by the new company's coach ? I here pledge
myself to repay you not, however, I suppose, when
you corne down at the end of the month, to go with
us to Ilfracombe. We got home safe and well. My
precious invalid was very little tired. She now, in
very strange language, (for I know her meaning,) begs
to be remembered to you, and says, it is very hard the
woman won't let him come. Amidst many engage-
ments and interruptions, always multiplied on return-
ing home, I have just finished my transcript for the
Rajah, and am now (it is Friday evening) preparing
for the Sabbath. Preaching is trying work this weather ;
so you say is hearing, unless the pastor makes us lie
down in green pastures, and feedeth us beside the still
waters. How delightful the five points would be now
treated in the jargon of the school-theology! O my
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 171
charming Bible, how I love thy simplicity, and gran-
deur, and grace! Prov., vi. 21, 22.
One of my best members died the day after my re-
turn. She was "an old disciple," whose life was
goodness and whose end was peace. With best re-
spects to your good father and mother, I have but
just time to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c.
Lord Barham to Mr. Jay.
LONDON, December 31, 1834.
MY DEAR ME. JAY, You will be glad to hear that
we arrived safely in town, though the fog was so thick
on Saturday evening as we approached London, that
we were in some danger of an overturn by driving up
a bank. Parliament, you see, is at last dissolved.
Some Tories I have seen, think that this is a very un-
wise measure for their own interests. They have now
nothing to fall back upon, which they would have had
if they had first endeavored to meet the now late Par-
liament. May the Lord direct the ensuing election as
shall best promote the nation's good !
We were very sorry not to see you the morning we
loft Bath. We hope dear Mrs. Jay continues pretty
well. We beg our most kind regards to her. Will
you accept our little offering for the rich gratification
and edification we have enjoyed from our late attend-
ance upon your much- valued instruction ? And be-
lieve me, my dear Mr. Jay,
With much respect and affection,
Your obliged friend,
BARHAM.
172 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COKBESPONDENCE
Mr. Jay to Lord BarJiam.
BATH, July 11, 1835.
MY DEAR LOED BAEHAM,' I was out when your
letter arrived, and I have been since engaged, even to
engrossment. As your Lordship says nothing of your
own, or Lady Barham's health, I hope you are both in
the enjojanent of that greatest of all temporal bless-
ings. My dear Mrs. Jay has not been so well for the
last month as usual, and seems to grow weaker. Of
course 1113- trial is increased, and I live in constant
alarm and anxiety. But He, whose we are and whom
we serve, knows what we need, and has engaged to
make our strength equal to our day.
Did your Lordship see, in the "Christian Observer"
about three months ago, an extract from the " Eemi-
niscences of Dr. Yalpy" concerning Mrs. More, and the
account which he says she gave him of her communing
once in Argyle Chapel ? Never was there such a tissue
of misrepresentation ; and, could I believe that Mrs.
More had been capable of uttering it, I should never
feel respect for her memory, or read her works with
pleasure again. But she had a mind too good and
honorable to express what, as coming from her, would
have been no less than falsehood, to serve the purpose
of what she hated, bigotry. I was urged to write to
the editor, but I declined. All these things will get
rectified and known in due time ; and then some illib-
erals may feel a little mortification, though it is almost
unreasonable to expect a thorough-paced ecclesiastic
to blush.
I hardly know what to say to your Lordship's ques-
tion. I have always considered high Churchism and
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 173
low Popery as nearly the same ; or the difference "be-
tween them as the difference between the tadpole and
the toad. None of our passions so readily assume
the mask of rectitude and religion as anger ; but " the
wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
Many, I fear, " know not what manner of spirit they
are of;" or forget that it is said of our Example as
well as Saviour, " He shall not strive nor cry, nor
cause his voice to be heard in the streets ; a bruised
reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall lie
not quench." If " the servant of the Lord must not
strive, but be gentle towards all men," violence, and
defiance, and scorn, and insult, are not the weapons
of our warfare. " He that winneth souls is wise ;"
and the best way to convert men, or at least to induce
them to attend to what we advocate, is to convince
them that we love them, and desire to do them good.
Between ourselves. I have alwavs thought that these
; / o
Reformation Meetings would do more hurt than good ;
and I am persuaded they have already increased Pope-
ry, by awakening zeal and courage in its defence ; and
flattering its adherents (for they must feel delight in
such announcements) as amazingly multiplying, and
endangering Protestantism and the Church. But if
the Church be in danger, it is not the Church of
Christ ; or He was mistaken when He said, " On this
rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it" "Secret things belong to
the Lord," but we must act according to his will, and
do justly, and do unto others as we would have oth-
ers do unto us. I cannot, therefore, but believe we
have done what Grod approves, in " loosening every
yoke and letting the oppressed go free." I was, there*
174 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COEKESPOJSrDEjSTCE
fore, a friend, and I am still a friend, to the Catholic
Emancipation. Everything like persecution is hate-
ful to the meek and lowly religion of the Lamb of
God ; as we see in his rebuke to James and John, with
regard to the Samaritans who had not received him,
" The Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives,
but to save them." I should be ashamed to take a lib-
erty to think and act foi myself in religion which I
was unwilling to grant. Neither am I afraid of Pope-
ry neither do I believe in its increase, but as papists
increase relatively with other parts of our population,
or in some few and particular places by occasional in-
fluxes of Irish. But why are not some individuals
ashamed to let out what they believe to be a fact
" Popery increasing, amazingly increasing," without
the encouragement of the State! without an Establish-
ment! against an Establishment! and a richly-endow-
ed Church doing nothing ! Yea, retrograding and in
danger of coming to naught ! What ! has this pure
and Apostolical institution been tried, so long in Ire-
land, and found wanting? And while we abhor
Popery, w r e must be candid enough not to wonder that
upwards of six millions, brought up in the religion of
their forefathers, should feel an Establishment over
them, consisting of so small a minority ; for how small
is it when all the other Protestant parties are deduct-
ed? Was there ever such a state of things in any
other country under heaven ? With regard to some of
the wretched and alarming tenets of Popery, (though
these are seldom war- whooped 'by many churchmen, till
some movement seems to threaten the loaves and
fishes,) we may ask, how would some other parties
appear, if some of their former and abstractor prin-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 175
ciples were to be published among them now ? Take
Knox's pleading for destroying papists as idolaters ;
and the Ghnrch of Scotland's confession of the duty
of exterminating prelacy ; and Dr. Dopping's Sermon
(Bishop of Meath) that no faith should be kept with
papists, &c., and trumpet this at Exeter Hall, and run
down those who are regarded as brethren !
Besides, if Popery is the same, the times, the state
of society, and public opinion are not the same. Pa-
pists, however disposed, could not put a heretic to death,
or imprison him in any country, even where it prevails.
Neither will it be ever able to do it again ; the power
is gone forever. Look at Grermany look at Switzer-
land, where some cantons are popish and some protest-
ant ; and some consisting of both intermingled ; and
exercising alternately the same places of worship. See
America. Is Popery, civilly and politically, more
dreaded than any other denomination? The reason
is, they are all tolerated, and none exclusively favor-
ed. How true is your Lordship's remark, that "polit-
ical opinion tinges all information." But let us judge
as well as we can for ourselves. Let us be zealous in
doing our Lord's work while it is clay ; but let us do
it in his own spirit. I am no croaker. I am persuad-
ed real religion is advancing ; and I know that " the
knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth," &c.,
"for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." How
glad I should be to talk over many of these things
with your Lordship, but I have not time to enlarge
this letter.
We all unite in best regards to your much esteem-
ed Lady Barham.
And believe me, &c.
170 SELECTION* FUO,M '1'IIE CUIMIESPONDENCE
[Note ~by the Editors.']
THE reader of this letter must not fail to observe
its date, and to remember that it was written nearly
twenty years ago ; a circumstance which, if in the pe-
rusal he felt any surprise at the tone in which Mr. Jay
speaks of Popery, will tend considerably to explain
the tone used, and abate the surprise of the reader.
The movements on behalf of Protestantism at that day
were of a totally different character from those of our
own. Had Mr. Jay been alive, and required to ex-
press his opinion on the subject of Eoman Catholic
claims and emancipation now, especially in view of
Dr. Wiseman's elevatioai to the Cardinalate, and the
creation of an ecclesiastical hierarchy, based on, and
designed, to enforce, the infamous Canon Law of Eome,
we believe he would have somewhat modified his lan-
guage and opinion. He might not, any more than
ourselves, have changed his opinion on the expediency
of admitting Eoman Catholics to equal civil and polit-
ical privileges ; but he would certainly have express-
ed his indignation, disgust, and alarm at the turbulent,
encroaching, and intolerant spirit of the papacy, and
its abettors in Ireland, which, instead of remaining sat-
isfied, as it was understood it would be, with the con-
cessions of the Eelief Bill, has used it only as a van-
tage-ground, from which to urge further demands, till
it has become too apparent that it aspires at nothing
less than a political and ecclesiastical supremacy. Nor
would Mr. Jay, had he written upon the subject at the
present time, have expressed himself so confidently of
the safety of concession, after what has taken place in
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 177
Tuscany, and even in Ireland. An intolerant religion
is always and everywhere an enemy, and even tlio
greatest of enemies, to the well-being of states. Those
who execrate liberty of conscience, and would extir-
pate heretics by the secular sword, ought to be indulg-
ed with only a limited power, but never entrusted
with the liberties of England, while they declare that
their object is to introduce the Canon Law, which is
thoroughly intolerant, and bitterly persecuting against
subjects, as well as treasonable against royalty. In
contemplation of such facts, Mr. Jay could have view-
ed the whole Eoman hierarchy as merely an organized
conspiracy against the liberties of the world. Their
view of liberty is a freedom granted to ecclesiastics
to sustain the laity ; while they deem themselves
persecuted if they are restrained from persecuting
others.
"We wish also to offer a remark upon Mr. Jay's
views of the Irish Church. As nonconformists our-
selves, we cannot but coincide generally with his re-
marks on this subject ; and yet we are not forgetful
that a more devoted and laborious ministry does not
exist than may be found in many of the parishes of
the Established Church in Ireland. Their successful
efforts for the conversion and emancipation of the
miserable slaves of Koman Catholic superstition and
tyranny, as set forth in the statements of the Society
for Irish Church Missions, entitle them to the highest
praise ; while the pitiless persecution endured by their
agents and converts should call forth the sympathy of
the Protestant world, and at the same time convince
it, that Popery, either at home or abroad, is the in-
exorable enemy of all liberty, whether civil or
8*
178 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
thouo-h tlie loudest claraorers for "both, when
O '
it is deprived of the means of encroaching on the lib-
erty of others.
Lady Barham to Mr. Jay.
1838.
DEAR MR. JAY, Yon will have seen by the papers
the loss my dear husband has sustained in his father,
who died last Wednesday, leaving behind him many
pleasing instances of his heart having been renewed ;
and to us the delightful hope of his having entered
into glory entered upon that endless life of bliss. I
shall indeed be very happy to present your " Morning
and Evening Portion" to the Queen. I think it \yould
be well to write a note with them, expressing your
humble hope that Her Majesty will condescend to ac-
cept of your book, which has already had the honor
to have been graciously received at the court of Peters-
burg, &c.
I have written this to you to give you an idea (as
3^ou wished) of the manner in which Her Majesty gen-
erally is addressed ; and then you will of course write
what you like, only after this fashion. I think it
would be better not to \vrite the Queen's name in the
books. Perhaps mentioning where they had been re-
ceived would be an additional inducement to her to
read them.
Will you give my kind and Christian love to dear
Mrs. Jay, in which Lord Barham joins, and also in
best remembrance to yours^ n f ? When I see Mrs. Wil-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 179
man I can deliver your message to her. She is now
staying at Eston,
Believe me, dear Mr. Jay,
Yours respectfully and sincerely,
F. BARHAM.
CATMOSE LODGE, Feb. 26, 1838.
TO THE QUEEN",
On presenting to Her Majesty a copy of the " Morning
and Evening Exercises"
BATH, March, 1838.
MADAM, Will your Majesty pardon the freedom
of one of your loyal subjects, and graciously conde-
scend to accept this humble offering at his hand ?
The Author has long been honored with the inti-
macy of Lord Barham, and his excellent lady has
kindly and readily offered to present the work to your
Majesty.
The publication is designed to furnish the reader
with a text of Scripture for every morning and even-
ing in the year, accompanied with very brief reflec-
tions ; the better suited to those who have multiplied
engagements, and yet are concerned to feel their de-
pendence upon God, and not lose his approbation in
the discharge of them.
Though the writer is very sensible of the imperfec-
tions of his work, yet he is not a little encouraged by
hearing of its continued circulation ; the reception it
has met with in some of the higher walks of life ; the
approbation of it expressed by Her Majesty the Em-
press of Bussia ; the notice it has obtained from sev
180 SELECTIONS FllOM THE COEEESPONDENCE
eral of your Majesty's illustrious House ; and, above
all, the blessing of God, which has honored it with
many tokens of usefulness.
Though he will be unknown to your Majesty, there
is not one in all your applauding empire who more
sincerely and earnestly prays for your Majesty's safety
and happiness, than,
May it please your Majesty,
Your Majesty's most humble servant and dutiful
subject,
THE AUTHOE.
To Miss Head.
BATH, March 8, 1838.
* * * * You see from her information
(from America^ and she is not querulous, that religion
is not in such a state as we could wish ; and that the
preaching is defective, because the preachers there (as
too often here) wish to appear to be learned and intel-
lectual, and so the common people, who heard our
dear Lord gladly, and understood and felt him, "look
up and are not fed." "What can the mass of an au-
dience do with nice distinctions, and abstruse reason-
ings, and long argumentative paragraphs ? A preach-
er may as well take a fiddle into the pulpit, and better
too, especially if he could make the people dance ; this
bodily exercise would profit a little. "The words
of the wise are as goads and as nails." Let ministers
read Bunyau, and Leighton, and Henry, and Flavel,
and many more, under whose ministry "the poor had
the Grospel preached unto them." However well com-
posed (according to a certain standard) / could not sit
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 181
patiently under many an American and many an Eng-
lish, preacher, though I should not do as I knew a
man (for I can. vouch, and many more now living, for
the truth of the fact) at Avebury some years ago. He,
one Sunday afternoon, after listening for some time to
a sermon, correct enough, but perfectly dry and unin-
teresting, rushed up from the aisle, and pulled the man
the Eev. Mr. Gr by the collar out of the pulpit,
and then with his iron-tipped shoes kicked the pulpit
in pieces, for which he was confined five months in
Fisherton gaol, but for which he ought to have had a
statue erected to his memory. Poor fellow, I well re-
member him. The last time I saw him, after mowing
all day, he had walked six miles, and had the same
distance to return, to get something to affect his poor
heart, and which he could think of when whetting his
scythe, or eating his crust upon the new-mown swath.
Oar old divines and the Methodist preachers, when
they just sprung up, had something to rend or meU, to
strike and stick to lead their hearers to think of again
and again when alone, and to talk of again and again
when in company. But what is the recommendation
of many of the moderns ? Oh, they glitter 'they do
but, as Foster says, with frost. You know my fond-
ness (amounting almost to idolatry) of dear John.
What a pretty sentiment is this which I recently met
with from one of his pilgrims ! I give it the more
readily because I am sure my dear friend can make it
her own. " I always loved to hear of my Lord, and
wherever I saw the print of his shoe, I wished to put
my foot." There is not that as good as some ser-
mons ? .Do you think there was ever such another
tinker in all the world ? When I was last week with
182 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
your friend, the "blind clergyman, (Ms sister-in law now
comes to our Monday evening meeting,) I was speak-
ing of Bunyan's "Holy War." This he had never
read. I long to hear how he liked it. I was going
foolishly to say, I wish / had never read it, but had
the entire pleasure to come. How I should like to read
it through to your uncle and aunt, and weep over
parts of it together ! Though the image of war is not
so agreeable as that of a pilgrimage, and though, as a
whole, the " Holy War" is not equal to its predecessor,
yet I am surprised that it is not more read, and I can-
not but think some parts of it are peculiarly affecting
witness the sending of the letter to Immanuel by
Mr. Weteyes the difficulty of destroying the doubters, &c.
I cannot endure transcription, and therefore I send
you (preserve it, for I have no copy) a passage which
Mr. Bedford had just found in, and translated from,
Milton's Second Defence, in Latin, of the people of
England in putting Charles to death. He felt it, clear
man ; it came home to his own affliction ; and I ob-
served he was not a little moved when his daughter
read it for him. * * * * *
* -x- *
I am, &c.
To Miss Head.
BATH, Nov. 27, 1838.
for a little news for maiden ladies and even
good and pious maiden ladies like a bit, let them say
what they will; and why, in the name of wonder,
should they not? First. We had a series of glorious
services a t N ur Missionary Meeting; and how pleasing-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 183
and satisfactory is it that the spirit of these benevolent
convocations keeps up ! Secondly, We have had four
deaths in our congregation since I saw you Mr. Slow-
come, an attorney, perfectly sudden ; Mrs. "Widcombe,
a poor woman whom I think you knew, chargeable
with considerable faults, yet of Quixotic kindness and
liberality ; Miss Peacock, a precious soul, and without
any of that bird's vanity and pride ; and Mr. Smith,
who has left a widow and four children. You remem-
ber her sufferings two years ago, when she lost three
lovely children almost together, at the time her hus-
band was in prison, but not for crime. Thirdly. I
have just received an imperial green-gage plum-tree
from Worthing, the sight of which brought, O what
vivid recollections of the dear company and delight-
ful hours enjoyed there!! Fourthly. Last week Bella
wrote, inquiring after your welfare, and begging her
love "to dear Miss Head." They were transported,
she said, with the prospect of coming to Bath, before
which then seven Sabbaths were to intervene, now six.
Fifthly. I put down things as they occur ; as friend-
ship is free and open, I must inform you that Mr.
W has left me 200, free of legacy duty ; but it
is after his wife's death. Whether all he has left is in
the same way, I cannot tell ; but I believe he has left
more than 10,000 to various institutions. Mrs. Jay
feels and talks of his death very much. He was a
great favorite with her ; and we have known him inti-
mately for fifty years nearly. Sixthly. To-day we had
a letter from Lord , who is on a visit to the Queen
at Windsor. He says, "he thought dear Mrs. Jay
would like to have a line from thence, and learn how
well our amiable and excellent Queen is, and also
184: SELECTIONS FKOM THE CORRESPONDENCE
Lady ." He laments the bigotry of Wilberforce's
life ; and s&ys, " I liave just seen Miss , who says,
' Mr. Wilberforce said to me, a few weeks only before
his death,' 'my sons are sad high churchmen' all
trumpery and nonsense.' " Seventhly. Sunday : I
was again in Bristol, and preached at New Brunswick
Chapel, to immense congregations, for the Sunday-
school. I called on the Dean, Dr. Lamb, but he and
his wife are now at Cambridge. I dined with Mr. and
Mrs. Hare, who will not be satisfied till you and Mrs.
Jay have paid them a visit.
I only add that I love a laugh when it leaves no
sting in the conscience, or stain upon the mind ; and
that such a laugh cannot be disagreeable to your uncle
in his long solitudes, and (I love to hear him laugh, he
does it so heartily) tell him, therefore, I lately heard of
an Irishman who was very ill, and who, when the
physician told him he must prescribe an emetic for
him, answered, "Indeed, doctor, an emetic will never
do me no good, for I have taken several, and could
never keep one of them upon my stomach." Walter
Scott says, " When in Ireland a poor man did some-
thing for me, and having no change, I gave him a
shilling instead of a sixpence, saying, ' Now, Paddy,
remember you owe me sixpence.' ' Grod bless your
honor,' said he, 'and may you live till I pay it.' "
" I walked. " savs a gentleman, "into one of their
/ i/ <_J i
fields, and to try him, I said to one of the haymakers,
' Well, Pat, if the devil was to come and fetch one of
us, which would he take first?' ' surely, 'said he,
'myself ' Why so?' ' Because he 's sure enough of
your honor at any time.' "
Mrs. Jay joins in all loving kindness with, &c.
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 185
To Miss Harman.
BATH, January 7, '24.
UPON the reception of your letter with a second sor-
rowful announcement, I thought I would not write to
you again for some days, till you would have gone
through a fresh painful service, and be a little more
composed, and be able to receive an epistolary visit.
But after our long and endeared friendship, I cannot
refrain from breaking in upon you immediately, lest
you should think we do not sympathize with you, so
much as I am sure we really do. I say we, for my
precious invalid, to whom your letter was addressed,
deeply feels for you, as well as myself, under these
sudden and closely successive losses of a father and a
mother. May He whose property it is to comfort those
who are cast down be a very present help in this time
of trouble. I know your judgment will immediately
acquiesce in this trying dispensation, because He has
done it ; and if your feelings are not so easily ruled,
and nature now and then seems ready to repine, do
not condemn yourself as destitute of submission, while
your desire is to the Lord, for He knows your frame,
and looks to the heart. You have too, and these must
not be overlooked, many alleviations and comforts to
mingle in your affliction, especially that the dear de-
parted are disposed of infinitely to their advantage,
and after being continued to you so long, while you
have a good hope through grace that, in due time, yo:
will be received by them into everlasting habitations.
"Were I near, how gladly would I call and weep with
you ; but Mrs. Jay and myself do hope that you will
relieve the scene as soon as possible by a change, and
186 SELECTIONS PROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
let us have tlie great pleasure of welcoming you under
our roof for a season. The travelling is now nothing,
and the old, I will not call it an excuse, for I am sure-
it was not, but prevention, is removed. You shall in-
terpret my dear wife's language, which you can do
better than any other, and ride out with her in the
carriage ; and I will give you as much of my company
as I can afford, and yon shall detect me if I preach old
sermons, &c. Mrs. Ashton is now with us, as her hus-
band, through business, was obliged to return before
her, and will return, I expect, to-morrow week. But
should you be able to journey before she goes, we
have plenty of accommodation, and she will be de-
lighted to see you here. She joins with her dear
mother and myself in every kind and tender regard.
My dear wife says you must come, and you know
her husband seldom differs from her. In haste, &c.
Rev. T. Grinfield to Mr. Jay.
CLIFTON, February 6, 1841.
DEAR SIR, I am sure the well-known kindness of
your nature will pardon the freedom I take (as an un-
known stranger) in sending a transcript of some lines
which appear in the " Bristol Journal" of this morning*
They were almost an irrepressible effusion of feeling
on the occasion mentioned. And, having just perus-
ed the beautiful account, in the same journal, of the
jubilee proceedings of Tuesday last, I cannot refrain
from beugins; vour acceptance of mv mite amoiisr so
' -. *_J i ' i/ JL / t '
many worthier offerings. Born at Bath, about two
years before the commencement of your ministry, I
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 187
well remember having often heard a "beloved mother
speak with pleasure of your early popularity and use-
fulness. And though I have enjoyed but four or five
opportunities (few and far between) of hearing yon,
(once years ago at Bridge-street, for the Moravian Mis-
sions, once at Broadmead, on " grace and truth" coin-
ing by Christ, once at Lady Huntingdon's, on the fine
analogy between the influence of the Rain and Snow
and that of God's Word,) I have retained a most pleas-
ing impression of your preaching, and congratulate
those who could statedly enjoy it ; while I cannot
wonder at their zeal in expressing their regard for one
who had so well secured it. Excuse this trespass upon
your time and attention, and permit me to subscribe
myself, with every sentiment of respect and esteem,
Yours sincerely, THOMAS G-RLNFIELD.
P. S. I rather think you remember my school-fellow
at Mr. Simons', of Paul's Crav, Kent Cornelius JSTeale,
/ Cl I I
who used to see you at his father's, and to speak of
you to myself as early as 1804. Your " Christian
Contemplated" I read with admiring delight.
Lines
Occasioned by the perusal of the yery interesting Sermon delivered
on Sunday, January 3lst, 1841, in Argyle Chapel, Bath, by the
Rev. William Jay, on the completion of the Fiftieth Year of his
ministry in that ChapeL
Dear venerable Pastor ! whose career
Of laboring zeal hath closed its fiftieth year
Within those favored "walls, where once thy youth,
Where still thine age, hath taught celestial truth ;
Well did thy flock, with grateful love, agree
To celebrate thy Pastoral Jubilee ;
188 SELECTIONS FllOM THE COUEESPONDENCE
Honoring their friend, their father, honoring Heaven,
"Who sncli a ftither, friend, so long had given.
Oh ! in tliis changeful -world, how few like tliee,
Have trained one church through half a century;
With underlining constancy like thine,
Alone, unaided, save by strength Divine !
How well in thee was piety combined
With kindly converse, and a master mind ;
How well thy natural eloquence impress'd
Wisdom, devotion, on the listening breast !
A spreading throng caught manna from thy lips,
Thy popularity knew no eclipse ;
The wise, the good, still liail'd thy faithful course,
And with thy foremost friends, the sweet-soul'd Wilberforce.
Happy like him in enviable age !
With Canaan opening on thy pilgrimage! '
Oh ! golden sunset of a beauteous day !
Soon in the clime of glory, thou too, Jay,
Midst the bright host shalt shine, a star of loveliest ray !
THOMAS GRINFIELD.
To Miss Harman.
BATH, December, 1841.
WHAT a blunderer am I ! I read in your extract
" Home" for " Eome." This puzzled me, and under
the perplexity I instantly wrote to prevent hinderance !
In future, I -will (if anything perplexes me) read a let-
ter a second time before I answer it.
But now, in reply to your proposal. It does strike
me that your brother's offer should be readily accept-
ed. Your motive would not be unjustifiable were it
only rational gratification ; but it may be useful to your
health and spirits. You will also turn many things
(with your mind) to moral and pious account, while
3'ou will yield satisfaction to a worthy youth whose
relations in America and in Bath will thank Grod for
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 1S9
the providence. As far, therefore, as the decision de-
pends upon me, I say go, and the Lord be with thee.
You will not, you. cannot, suppose that I wish you at
a greater distance than London, (that "being too far
away,) and nothing will be dearer to me than your re-
turn. But I see no one objection of weight, especially
as you will meet with Mrs. B. Jay, and her brother and
sister ; and your expenses will be defrayed by one
whom I long to thank on your behalf. But 0, to
think how you will glory over us when you come
back, and " once more mingle with us meaner things !"
But to prevent your despising us too much, you must
remember who maketh you to differ, and that some of
us have not had the same opportunity or means. Let
this be an answer to Jay's note. As I presume you.
cannot set off before the beginning of the week, could
you not see Bella, who comes up on Monday ? . If so,
appoint her by a line a place of interview ; but if you
can set off sooner, do not delay ; but let me have a
line as soon as you have arranged things, and blow
me a salutation in it. Shall the books be still sent ?
Have you seen the engraving ? I heard from Bartlet
last evening that Jaj^ dislikes it. How sad, should it
not answer. You must not forget to correspond with
me, and I will do my goodest in return. Eegards to
Mrs. Dore, &c. My respects to the Pope, but do not
kiss his toe. Get Paul's old lodgings if 3^011 can, Acts,
xxviii. 30. And the " goodwill of Him that dwelt in
the bush" be with you in going out and coming in.
Ever yours truly, &c.
I think you know Mark Wilks at Paris, otherwise
get a line from Mr. Burnet.
190 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COEEESPONDENCE
To Miss Harman.
BATH, December 21, 1841.
1 HAVE just received your kind letters to iny wii'e
and to her husband. The}?" are like your whole self,
or at least, like all you have exhibited towards us,
ever since we were indulged with your friendship. I
was a little anxious whether you would have made up
your rnind so easily and so soon, till I heard again
from you, notwithstanding your obliging deference to
my opinion ; as, in such cases, after all, we must judge
for ourselves. But I cannot conceal my satisfaction at
your decision ; and not entirely on a kind of selfish
account, but hoping that one so dear to us as you are
will derive pleasure and profit from so interesting a
prospect. 0, that I could be your companion and
your chaplain ; and be able by-aud-bye to say as you
will, "I have seen Home!" But the providence
which approves of your going requires me to " sit
still." But spirits like bodies are not fettered, andl.
shall think of you much, and follow you much, and
shall expect a visit from you as soon as ever you
return, to tell us about it ; and to hold up your head
above us all while doing it. As you write short-hand,
it will be inexcusable not to keep a kind of journal ;
mid if you should wish to publish, who knows but I
may write a preface, and so our names be blended to-
gether before the world. Be attentive to your health,
and brace up your rnind by some daily retirement for
meditation and prayer. Idle away none of the short
time you will be there ; and be sure to see and hear
what you cannot see after your return. Especially
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 191
observe whatever is connected with the sacred vol-
umes ; and neglect not to go " as far as Apii-forum
and the Three Taverns;" and for any expense you
may incur there / will be answerable. "Whether any
one at Eome ever prayed for me before, I know not ;
but I shall prize your remembrance of me much more
than his Holiness's, yet if you can get him to frank
your letters to a heretic, you will induce him to do one
good thing in his Pontificate. To induce him to do
this, or to enclose them with any of his missives,
please him by telling him how favorably things are
going on in the Church of England ; and how many
are longing to return home from their Eeformation
wanderings.
What a feeling I have to see you both before your
departure ; and I assure you I have been trying to ar-
range things so as to allow of the pleasure ; but I
find it is not practicable. So I embrace you at a dis-
tance, and commend you to the Grod of our mercy.
Head this to-day with my love and concern, and be-
lieve me,
Yours most truly, &c.
To Miss Head.
WORTHING, August 21st, 1842.
I AWOKE this morning with the words upon my
mind, " I was in the Spirit 011 the Lord's day." " The
Lord's day," as you well know, means the day of our
Saviour's resurrection ; and is so called because it was
dedicated and observed to the glory of his name, and
the service of his people. John's being "in the
192 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COEEESPOJsTDENCE
Spirit" on this day, immediately intends a state of in-
spiration ; and this was abundantly exemplified in the
visions he received and reported. But we do well to
use the phrase (as we do in our prayers) to mean a pe-
culiar frame of mind under the ordinary agency of
the Spirit; and what is a Lord's day without this?
Yet it struck me that there are two mistakes to which
we are liable concerning it. First We are not to
think we are not in the Spirit because we are not in a
lively and comfortable frame. Such a frame is not to
be undervalued ; but it may be overvalued, and it is
so, when we make it exclusive. For we want many
things besides consolation ; and we shall be " in the
Spirit" if we feel much of His enlightening, or con-
vincing, or humbling influences, and are more empty
of self at the end of the Sabbath, than at the beginning
of it.
And Secondly : We must not suppose that such a
Lord's day is impossible, unless we are favored with
the usual, and social^ and public means of grace. John
was away from all these in the mines of Patmos ; yet
he never had such a Sabbath before ; and the Lord,
who always teaches his children to love the temple,
will show them that he is not confined to it. Not that
we are to expect his presence when we can repair to
his sanctuary ; but if we are his prisoners, he will not
despise or forget iis; but will render the house of
mourning or the chamber of sickness "none other but
the house of Grod and the gate of heaven." I know
not whether your present duty deprives you of the
whole, or a part only, of your sanctuaiy privileges;
but in either case, apply to yourself, my beloved
friend, the remarks I have made ; and be sure to ap-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 193
ply them also to jour precious sufferer under every
secret, silent, sightless Sabbath she may be called to
emlure. I trust her confidence, and calmness, and com-
fort continue, and that as her day, so is her strength.
I did not, however, mean to preach, but only to call
upon j^ou in a letter for a few moments, and to ex-
change a few words ; though I forget that you always
in these written visits leave all the talk to myself but
is this quite fair ? " Bell's Daily Advertiser" will
doubtless inform you of all that may be called neivs.
"We all go on much the same ; only by the goodness
of Grod, I feel much better, and seem to hope that I
may become, not a young man again, but what I was
before my several late indispositions ; and should this
be the case, I trust I shall improve the blessing, by
doing more than I have done for some time past. O
what a privilege is health and strength, when we not
only enjoy but employ them !
My reading has been various since I have been
here ; my present engagement is with the life of
"Billy Dawson," the celebrated Wesleyan preacher.
It is not well written, but it contains interesting and
profitable matter. He was truly a great man ; not
equal to our divine Bunyan, without learning, or at
least without academical preparation for the ministry.
% % # #
I have just received a letter of three sheets from my
spiritual daughter, Miss Harris, at Caen in France.
Had I a private hand I would send it for your pe-
rusal ; as it would afford you pleasure to see how much
decision and yet gentleness and prudence she displays ;
and how useful, in a land of barrenness, she is likely
to be, I wish you had kuowi her when she was in
194: SELECTIONS FEOM THE CORRESPONDENCE
Bath. Should she come there again, I must bring
her, or fetch you; and you will soon be like two
drops of water on a table when they touch and run
into one.
I am, &c.
To Mr. Rice Hopkins.
BATH, Dec. 10, 1849.
MY DEAR SIR, I duly received your kind letter,
and also the pamphlet. In addition to all your former
kindnesses, I am much obliged by your remembering
my wish, and taking pains to gratify it. If the pub-
lishers (Jackson and "Walford) -would have no objec-
tion to inform you of the author, I should be glad to
be informed. But whoever was the writer, the work
is masterly, and cannot be easily answered. It falls in
with my views, which have never altered upon that
subject.""
I am glad you are in prospect of settlement with a
pastor, and pray for a blessing upon the approaching
union ; but I must decline your application, for my
attending at the reopening of your chapel. I do not
* The work here honored by the notice and commendation of Mr.
Jay, is entitled, " Objections to the Doctrine of Israel's Future Res-
toration to Palestine, National Pre-eminence, &c. In Twelve Let-
ters to a Friend, with an Appendix. 1828." Mr. Jay's strong Ian-,
guage, used so late as the year 1849, informs us of his matured opin-
ion upon a subject which has long divided the judgment of the Chris-
tian Church, and Tipon which it will probably remain divided so
long as the two opposite modes of interpreting prophecy are fol-
lowed the figurative and the literal ; or till the decisions of his-
tory shall supersede the comments of opinion. Mr. Swaiue's "Work
lias received the commendation of many other eminent divines be-
sides Mr. Jay.
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 195
*
like to refuse in anything such peculiarly kind friends
as Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, but Mr. and Mrs. Ashton
will be here at the time, and &c., &c.
My dear Mrs. Jay is sitting by, and begs to join in
everything that is kind and loving to Mrs. Hopkins
and yourself, with,
My dear Sir, yours most truly,
WILLIAM JAY.
To the same.
BATH, Jan. V, 1850.
MY DEAR SIR,' I believe I thanked you for the
discovery and present of the letters I so much wished
to see, and I ought to have thanked you last week for
tracing out the clever author. The work is well writ-
ten, and the point well argued. Some things perhaps
may be added, and would require to be so, as the sub-
ject has excited so much attention since the publica-
tion. The works, however, I have not read ; but
when in Cambridge I met with Professor Lee, who is
very strong on Mr. Swaine's side, and has lately pub-
lished a work on prophecy, in which there is much
which I should like him to see. So also is there, I am
told, in Professor Stuart's work on the Bevelations. I
should be glad to see a new edition of the Letters, and
would do what I could orally to notice and recommend
them in private and public ; but some rules which I
have laid down, and some fears of being at my time
of life drawn into controversial publicity, forbid my
writing a Preface. Give my best respects to Mr.
Swaine,. though personally unknown, and hope he will
accept not my excuse but reason.
196 SELECTIONS FROM THE UOERESPONDENOE
The Ashtons are now with us, and with Mrs. Jay
join in best regards to Mrs. Hopkins and her husband,
with, my dear Sir,
Yours truly, &c.
To Lady Dude.
BATH, Dec. 29, 1846.
My DEAR LADY DUCIE, I thought I heard a jingle,
and examined the floor, but, finding nothing, I con-
cluded it was a lapsus auris. But does such honesty
grow eveiy where ? Certainly wherever it is found it
ought to be rewarded. But to whom, am I indebted ?
As Lady Mary Wortley Montague says " In all my
travels I never met with but two kinds of people men
and women," so the finder must be, I presume, male
or female ; and as your ladyship can decide this, will
you present to him or her the little publication I have
enclosed "Clarke's Memoirs." I would 'have in-
scribed it, but, again, I know not the name. Should I
have the pleasure of a future visit to Tortworth, and
the servant be still with you, I will then do it.
Along with the "Short Discourses for the Use of
Families," which I begged your ladyship to accept, I
have put into the parcel the " Charge to a Minister's
Wife," and the sermon to a bad husband, not for yon
to keep, but just if you like to throw your eye over
them, and then dispose of them where you think they
are most called for.
By the way, when I spoke to your ladyship of my
having delivered and written out a course of lectures on
Scripture Female Biography, and that my plan would
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 197
be completed by four lectures more two on Hannah,
and two on the Mother of our Lord, I intended to
ask whether (if I should have health and leisure to
finish the series) your ladyship would allow me the
honor and favor of dedicating them to yourself 1 ? Should
you be disposed to yield this request, your ladyship
may be assured I would not offend by dedicatory ful-
soraeness. " I know not (with Elihu) to give flatter-
ing titles to any ; for in so doing my Maker would
take me away ;" yet I wish to bear my witness to good-
ness and excellence, and to remember the words of
Solomon "a gracious woman retaineth honor."
I was sorry I was too tired to give you words of
exposition, and to leave your kind roof without a de-
votional and social benediction ; but I did not forget
the family in my chamber ; and,if my prayer be heard,
Lord Ducie's health will be restored and established
and perpetuated ; and he will be a growing and public
blessing in his day and generation ; and will much and
long walk together with his estimable companion, both
"as heirs of the grace of life;" and see their fine and
lovely children " as plants growing up in their youth,
and as corner-stones polished after the similitude of a
palace." Amen and amen.
My best respects await Lord Ducie (not forgetting
Mr. Watts, if yet with you).
I am, my dear Lady Ducie,
Yours to esteem and serve, &c.
I got home safe a quarter after 10. My wife (one
of the best women God ever made) begs her most es-
teemed regards.
198 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
To Lady Dude.
BATH, Feb. 3, 1847.
MY DEAR LADY DUCTE, I ought to have written
earlier to thank you for your very kind present, every
article of which proved very good ; and as. being a
teetotaler, I could not drink your ladyship's health
(unless in an element which all do not value as I do,
and as Samson did) I ate it, heartily wishing your
ladyship much of that blessing (and the Earl too)
which is the salt that seasons, and the honey that
sweetens every temporal comfort ; praying also in a
better exercise, that bodily health may be accompanied
with every kind of spiritual welfare. This sentence
would be almost long enough for Dr. Chalmers.
"By love serve one another." What a beautiful
little text is this ! the practice of which would turn
this vale of tears into a paradise ; and as your lady-
ship. I know, does not consider it an interpolation or
wrongly translated, I venture to give you a little
trouble. The Dean and Mrs. Lamb would be much
obliged, if your ladyship could say " whether you could
recommend a governess who once lived with you of
the name of ; as to her character, accomplish-
ments, piety, and good temper." The wish has been
transmitted through my daughter, Mrs. Ashton, from
Cambridge, where the Dean now is. A line to her,,
or him, or myself, will suffice.
Is the Mr. Wyat, near Stroucl, mentioned in the
papers as dead, the very pleasant and amiable gentle-
man I met at your house so recently ? I presume it
is ; and, if so, the circumstance is affecting. Ah ! if
we had all foreknown it then, would not our inter-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 199
course and conversation (I am blaming nothing) have
been more specifically religions, and bearing upon his
(and indeed OUT own) spiritual welfare ? Should we
not meet and part more as mortals and immortals ; and
would this injure the allowed sociabilities of life ?
"What awful accounts still from Ireland and Scot-
land ! I pleaded for them successfully on Sunday.
My text was, "A cloak of covetotisness;" and I. I
described the evil covetousness. II. Proved that its
folly, baseness, and sin, by common feeling, -needed a
covering. III. I showed some of the cloaks it was
accustomed to wear. Here I led them into the devil's
wardrobe, where they wo aid see a fine assortment of
articles to suit any purchaser' cloaks of every coloi
and shape, and size and price. Here a scarlet one ;
fringed with fur ; there a velvet one, lined with silk ;
here a shorter, and there one reaching quite to the
ground ; there new ones, and here some only a little
injured by wear ; some a little soiled and mended, but
then cheaper. That was introduced by Lady ;
and this is now much admired by , &c. I then
passed from irony (justified by the sacred writers) to
seriousness, and from figure to fact, and exposed four
of these excuses and disguises, which I have not time
on paper to do justice to. IV. I inquired how far
these cloaks would conceal the things ? and answered,
1st. They cannot always conceal it from the wearer
himself. 2 dry. They cannot commonly conceal it from
others. Sclly. They can never conceal it from God. I
then concluded' Istv By calling upon them to take
heed and beware of covetousness. 2dly. Admonish-
ing them to seek the true riches, in which there could be
no excess in their desires, or failure in their hopes, &c.
200 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
As I am not sure whether you are in the country
or town, I direct this to Tortworth House, suppos-
ing, if I am mistaken, it will be immediately forward-
ed on. I trust Lord Ducie is quite convalescent.
Please to present to him my best regards. Earl Gains-
borough and the Countess are here. He has had a
severe attack since they came. God bless you, my
dear lady.
And believe me, &c.
The Jay's love
To the Dove.
To Lady Ducie.
BATH, Jau. 8, 1848.
MY DEAR LADY DUCIE, We duly received your
very kind present of game, and return many and very
sincere thanks. They would have been transmitted ear-
lier, but I only returned this evening after a week's
absence from home, and during which I have had an
attack of the very common complaint. It has not in-
deed been severe, but sufficient to lay me by for some
days, and to qualify me to sympathize with much great-
er sufferers. As ministers we frequently escape what
others endure, not because we do not deserve or need
personally the same trials with others ; but because of
the duties we owe to others ; for if physicians were to '
experience all the ailments of their patients, they could
have neither time nor strength to practice ; and, as our
exemptions are often relative to others, so also are our
inflictions. Ezekiel heard the knell " Son of man,
behold, I take away the desire of thine eyes with a
stroke ;" not because of any offence of his, for which God
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 201
would chastise liim, but that he might be " a sign unto
the people.'" It is the doctrine of Paul, 2 Cor. i. 6.
Indeed this will, in some measure, apply to Christians
as well as- ministers : we are all parts of some little
whole, more or less affected and influenced by us.
" None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to
himself."
For some good while back I could not make out
where your ladyship and the Earl were. Some said
you were at home some at Malta some in Syria.
But, though I knew not how to follow you locally in
my prayers, I could address One who saw where you
were, and could afford you whatever blessing you
needed from Him as the God of providence and of
grace. If the excursion has been in search of health,
(the salt that seasons and the honey that sweetens every
temporal blessing,) I trust it has not been sought in
vain, and that the Earl has returned with renewed
strength, and growing disposition to walk before the
Lord in the land of the living.
Neither do I now know whether the family is in the
country or in town ; but I venture the present direc- .
tion, knowing this thanksgiving will surely reach per-
sons so well known, wherever they are.
It is rather late to send the congratulations of the
season. But another year is gone, and by far the most
important we ever passed through, because it is the
nearest to our " long home," and the bar of Grod ; and
we have entered on a new period of our time, not
knowing what a day may bring forth ; but, as Cowper
sings, if we give up ourselves to him,
"It can bring nothing -with it,
But it will bear us through."
9*
202 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
My text last Sunday morning, in reference to the
season, was, " These days should be remembered."
What days ? Days of unregeneracy days of conver-
sion days of persecutions days of bereavement days
of providential interposition days of particular spec-
iality, viz., birth-days nuptial days new-year-da} r s.
I beg my best regards to Earl Ducie with my pray-
ers for his entire welfare. I presume he approves of
the Bill for the Removal of the Jewish Civil Disabili-
ties ; and condemns the conduct of those who have op-
posed Lord John in one of his noblest actions. Many
are not aware as yet how much the spirit of popery
has prevailed of late years in the Ghurch of England
(for we have nothing of it among all other parties).
May it be detected and thoroughly encountered before
it be too late. Mrs. Jay begs to join in best thanks
and regards, with,
My dear Lady Ducie, Yours, &c.
To Lord Dude
MY DEAR LORD DUCIE, Yesterday Mr. Bidwell
called upon me. The interview was very agreeable
in itself, but particularly so as I learned from it that
Lady Ducie was well, and your lordship so much im :
proved in health, and, as usual, active in doing good.
And how much obliged am I to your lordship for the
beautiful present, and for such a kind proof of remem-
brance, and that out of sight is not always out of mind:
I hope I can also say that I sometimes thought of your
lordship in your absence and distance, and where I
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 203
v
think your lordship would most value my remem-
brance at the throne of grace. I had but just begun
this letter before the hare and the birds came, requir-
ing another qualified acknowledgment.
Another year is rapidly closing ; and what an event-
ful year has it been ! Among its most remarkable
(and I am persuaded influential) events in our own
country, has been Mr. Noel's secession and his Essay
on the Union of Church and State. The book, in
many respects, is one of the most extraordinary I ever
read. It is written with great ability, and with much
Christian spirit. It must make a great impression in
favor of our free churches. Will it lead to any
improvements in the Establishment? yet, if some-
thing be not done there, I think that church is in dan-
ger.
I am sorry that, by several little indispositions, and
also b} r engagements and interruptions, my visit into
Gloucestershire has been prevented ; and for some time
longer now it must be postponed, as my daughter and
her husband from Cambridge are soon coming to see
us.
Soon after this reaches Tortworth we shall enter on
a new period of time, not knowing what a day may
bring forth ; but under the care of Him who sees the
end from the beginning and has said, " I will never
leave thee nor forsake thee." Allow me to send (in
which Mrs. Jay joins me) the congratulations of the
season to Lady Dude and your lordship, with our
prayers that all grace may abound towards the- whole
family.
I am, &c.
204 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORBBSPOJNDENOB
To Lady Dude.
BATH, October 22, 1849.
MY DEAR LADY DCCIE, You will think it strange
and probably blame-worthy that I have not answered
your letter earlier; but I was from home when it ar-
rived, and I have been variously absent nearly ever
since, not for my pleasure, but on my great and good
Master's business, doing a little, and wishing to do
more ; but I find the old man rapidly coming on, and
the infirmities of eighty keeping me from doing the
things that I would. One of my excursions was to
Kingswood, occasioned by the death of my old friend
Mrs. Long. I much wished to have gone over to
Tortworth ; but I was hurried for time, and the weather
was wet, and I heard that the Earl was suffering con-
finement. I long to hear that his lordship is released,
and able as he is willing to be well-doing. I was
thankful to be informed of your ladyship's fresh de-
liverance-, and pray that the life spared and the life
given may be precious in the Lord's sight, and sacred
to his service and praise. "Lo, children," says David,
"are an heritage of the Lord;" and some have a much
larger portion than others. But, says Henry, u Chil-
dren are certain cares, and uncertain comforts, and
possible crosses." In these matters, however, we' are
not left to our own choice ; but are under the manage-
ment of Him " who perforrneth all things for us," and
" doeth all things well." But there is a part belonging
to us, and if we discharge it in dependence upon Him,
we are entitled to expect the exemplification of tho
proverb, if not the promise, " Train up a child in the
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 205
way that lie should go, and when he is old be will not
depart from it."
At Budleigh Salterton, where I spent a month, I met
with good Dr. , of America, who spoke with
pleasure of his visits to Tortworth. I heard him
preach (i. e. read) several times, and was pleased; but
when I hear I love to be rent or melted. I do not like
for preacher's mouth to be lined with velvet. When
will ministers remember what the mass of every con-
gregation consists of; and learn to preach ad popu-
lum? By whom was He heard "gladly" who spake
as never man spake ? The words of the wise are as
goads and as nails, they pierce and remain. "What are
fine smooth periods that slip off from the conscience
like water from, a duck's back ? "What evaporates in
the mere article of hearing can do little good; but
that which is carried away to be again and again
thought of alone, and talked of in company. "Let
the word of Christ dwell in you."
Mrs. Jay and myself are tolerably well. I wish we
could see you in Bath. "With best regards to Earl
Ducie, believe me, &c.
To Lady Ducie.
BATH, December, 1851.
DEAE, LADY DUCIE,' How kind and good you were
to think of us, and furnish our table with such fine
game: the last of which we have only recently de-
spatched, and during our partaking of which I more
'than once drank your ladyship's health in a bumper of
the purest water the neighborhood affords. By the
206 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
way, the American ambassador (Mr. Steplienson) told
me that when he dined with the Queen, he made her
smile by drinking her Majesty's health, as a teetotal-
ler, in the same beverage.
I ought to have written earlier, but this morning,
I said, with a blush, " I will write to Tortworth." No
sooner said than done, or at least begun. But now,
whether I shall finish as I wish, depends much upon
" Satan," who often interrupts and hinders, by favor-
ing me with calls of indefinite length from persons
senseless of the value of time, and who, having no-
thing to do, discharge some of their idleness and curi-
osity under a cover of business.
But now, after our acknowledgment and thanks'
giving, what can I write about ? There is, indeed, one
subject of supreme importance which is always at
hand, and on which we should be always ready in our
thoughts and communications. It is the Name above
every Name. But with this your ladyship is graciously
acquainted, though in a rank of life in which He is so
little known and honored ; otherwise how could I
speak of Him both from office and experience as
"fairer than the children of men;"' as "altogether
lovely ;" as having " giving himself for us an offering
and a sacrifice to Grod for a sweet smelling savor ;" >as
" remembering us now he is come into his kingdom ;
as " ever living to make intercession for us ;" as
" the Lord our righteousness and strength ; all our sal-
vation and all our desire, our glory and our joy."
"Such Jesus is, and sucli his grace,
may He shine on yon;
And tell him -when you see his face
1 long to see him too. "
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 207
I was delighted to see Lord Ducie's letter to the
chairman of the Protestant Alliance. It did him much
honor, both as showing his aversion to the " mother
of harlots and abominations of the earth," and also
nobleness of mind in being willing publicly to retract
an opinion. A very learned man has said, " The
three hardest words to pronounce in the English lan-
guage are, i lwas mistaken;' " and when Frederick the
Great wrote his letter to the Senate,' " I have just
lost a great battle, and it was entirely my own fault,"
Goldsmith says, " This confession displayed more
greatness than all his victories."
I should much like to hear his Lordship's opinion
with regard to the new Revolution in France. He
must, I think, dislike the character of the usurper ;
though, perhaps, one tyrant is better than twenty
agreed in nothing but mutual opposition for selfish
ends. If he succeeds, as is most probable, the effect
I fear will be favorable to Popery ; yet, if he allies
himself to a cause doomed to perish, he will place
himself in the way of God's judgments, and be easily
brought down. Our comfort is, that " the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth ;" and that " He will overturn,
overturn, overturn,, until he comes whose right it is,
and it shall be given him."
You were, my dear Lady, misinformed as to my ob-
jection to the Liturgy. I even like much to hear it
occasionally, though I certainly should like it better
were it curtailed, and stripped of its repetitions. That
I am not an enemy to all forms of devotion is obvious
from my volume of Prayers for the Use of Families ;
and for the publication of which I have great reason
to bless God. Nor, though a firm Dissenter, am I un-
208 SELECTIONS FEOM THE COBRESPOJSTDENCE
friendly to the Established Church. My connections
have "been very much among its members and minis-
ters, as you will see from my Keminiscences, which will
be published at my death. But I do hate all exclu-
siveness ; and I lament that a church should be less
tolerant and liberal now than when it first left Rome,
and could be excused some mother -marks upon it.
But then it did not unchurch other churches, nor in-
validate other ordinations, but even allowed prefer-
ments to some who only had had on their heads " the
hands of the presbytery" But see the mess the good
Archbishop of C gets himself into ! that he had
avowed and gloried in what he conceded to his deceiv-
er ! But instead of this candor, he applies what he
said only to these foreigners ; and not to any here, though
standing on the very same terms. The fact is, the
wretched notion of Apostolical Succession so far unites
the Church of England to the Church of Home, and dis-
sociates it from all other churches, however orthodox or
useful. Some must break through, and lead in a bet-
ter way. I, therefore, rejoice, and thousands beside,
that Lord Ducie and a few more are serving the Lord
Christ in a mode which will please God, and draw
down his blessing, whoever may censure or condemn.
Bolton speaks of your visiting Bath. Is it so? I
wish it may be, and that we may be favored with
a little of your company. Mrs. Jay unites in kind
regards to yourself and Lord Ducie. I am, &c.
To the same.
LADY DUCIE,' 'You have made me break through
a rule I have never violated yet, in communicating my
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 209
text beforehand. From one of these five (D.Y.) I hope
to preach to-morrow morning : " Take it by the tail."
"It was always so." "Amen, the Lord God say so
too." " In that day a man shall nourish a young cow
and two sheep." " The. people that know their God
shall be strong and do exploits." I do not mention
the chapters and verses, as this may employ Lady
Alice to find out. I forgot to ask her to tell me at
what time Joseph dined ? (Gen. xliii. 16.) And why
a covetous man was like a medlar ?
I feel very weak and poorly, and expect to feel dif-
ficulty to-morrow. I wonder which of the texts you
will be led to wish for and choose. "Well, all will be
known in due time. I hope his Lordship is still mend-
ing. We never forget him in our prayers. What a
scrawl to a lady of quality ! Pray forgive, and be-
lieve me, &c.
To the same.
BKADFOKD, June 10, 1853.
DEAR LADY DUCIE,
" If thou sliouldst stay, e'en as tliou art,
All cold and all serene,
I still might press thy silent heart,
And where thy smiles have been :
"While e'en thy chill-loved corpse I have
Thou seernest still mine own ;
But there, I lay thee in the grave
And now / am alone !"
Such was the language of Wolfe, who wrote the
fine monody of the death of Sir Jolm'Moore. In more
210 SELECTIONS FROM THE COEEESPOISTDENCE
instances than one I have felt the truth and force of
the tender and touching sentiment. While the remains
of the dear departed are only in the coffin, and not in
the grave, and we can yet go and look, and gaze, and
weep, we seem to possess him still ; but when we have
laid him in the tomb, and return to the lonely house
in which we have taken sweet counsel together, and
walked to the house of Grod in company ; ah, then we
feel its emptiness and know what real solitude is. I,
therefore, would not write during the engagements and
distractions of funeral preparations, but resolved to
wait upon you with a few lines when you would be
saying " And now I am alone"
And yet in another and more important sense, your
Ladyship will not be alone, because the Father will be
with 3^011 ; for He has said, and the Scripture cannot
be broken, " I will be with thee in trouble." And
surely you are now entitled to claim and plead thai
promise. But you must not expect it to be miracu-
lously fulfilled, or in a way that will raise you above
the sense of the greatness of your loss. There is no
patience in bearing what we do not feel, or resignation
in giving up what we do not value. But you may ex-
pect from it support under the affliction, however
great ; and that you shall be able to say (or endeavor
to say and the Lord looketh to the heart), " It is the
Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good :" " The
Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed
be the name of the Lord." What a state was David in
when he came to Ziklag? All was gone! and, hero
as he was, he lifted up his voice and wept. " But
David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." He
was left and never left him ; and after every distress
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 211
enabled Mm to say, " Ooine unto nie, all ye that fear
God,- and I will declare wliat he hath done for my
soul."
You also will prove a witness for God, and be able
to acknowledge that it is good for you that you have
been afflicted. Great as your trial is, remember, my
dear Madam, how much greater it might have been.
Only consider what the God of all grace has done for
the deceased, whom we all loved, and all will miss. I
confess the late development of experience did not
surprise me. I entertained from the time I knew him
a good hope through grace ; and latterly I felt a deep
and constant impression which ever excited my prayer
on his behalf. Well, his pains are now over ; and the
clays of his mourning are ended ; and though he was
not permitted to enter his exquisite earthly mansion,
he is now in a house not made with hands, but eternal
in the heavens. Your loss, therefore, is his infinite
gain ; and under this loss may jou know that God is
the husband of the widow in his holy habitation and
in her own, and also the Father of the fatherless !
May the affliction be sanctified to them ! and may
they prove that "it is good for a man to bear
the yoke in his youth;" and from this time cry
unto Him, " My Father, thou art the guide of my
youth 1"
I hope that none of the religious resources of such
a family will be dried up ; or any of its useful institu-
tions, and exertions, and influences cease, or be im-
paired.
Thus, while you have attended the entombment of
the dear Earl, I have communed with you in spirit, in
212 SELECTIONS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE
writing these few lines. Believe me, my dear Lad}
Ducie, &c.
Mrs. Jay joins in all this. I long to know Lord and
Lady Moreton ; and will not cease to pray for them.
My state is much the same, as to health and strength,
as when I was at Stone. I am able to do "but little ;
but the spirit is willing though the flesh is weak.
" Let her alone, she hath done what she could."
To Dr. Boivie.
PLACE, January 24, 185b.
MY DEAK DOCTOR, Uncertain whether I should
see you this afternoon, I write a few lines, and they
must be few, as I find writing, like every other exer-
tion, a trying task. You know not only my sense of
obligation for all your kindness, but the confidence I
have in your judgment, and what a submissive patient
I have been. But I am now venturing a step of my
own accord, and hope if you reprove you will strike
gently. I have felt the last few days worse, i. e. lower
in my strength, and more painful in my complaint. I
am, therefore, going, if possible, to Bradford to-morrow
morning, thinking Avhether the change may not prob-
ably affect me. My stay, I presume, will not be long ;
and if anything peculiar arise, I or Mrs. Jay can in-
form you.
But I forget not the nature and character of the en-
suing Sabbath, when sixty-three years ago I was or-
dained over the people of Argyle Chapel, after occa-
sionally laboring among them full twelve months be-
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 218
fore. On the next Sabbath this long, happy, and en-
deared connection terminates ; and pastor and people
have to look backward and forward under awful re-
sponsibilities.
Should Mr. Dyer see fit to have any reference to the
event, I wish him to inform the Church and Congrega-
tion how much I have all along hoped to have been
able to address them on the occasion ; but the Lord
has prevented it, as I could not undertake any public
service, much more a service which would rend me to
pieces !
He may also assure them that, though my pastoral
relation has ceased, I shall be delighted if a degree of
ability shall enable me occasionally to address them
again from my old chair and pulpit.
I am much concerned for their proper settlement,
and pray that the Lord may direct them to the choice
of a pastor after his own heart ; and that peace and
prosperity may ever be within their lovely borders.
They may be assured that, in proportion as the people
of his late and long charge are satisfied and edified,
he will approve and rejoice, who, in finishing his min-
istry, can say
" Ere since by faith I sa~w the stream
Thy dying -wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die."
I wish I could write more and better, but I am as
weak as I am willing.
Believe me, my dear and beloved physician,
Yours, &c.
PAET Y.
THE LITBEAEY EBMAINS
REV. WILLIAM JAY,
LITERARY REMAINS,
LINES ON THE DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER STATIRA.
OH ! had I known, when we embraced,
That parting kiss would prove the last,
I surely should have held thee fast,
Statira !
One week elapsed, and home I fled,
From Devon's hills, in musings dread,
And breathless sought thy mortal bed,
Statira !
" Know'st thou," I said, in accents mild,
" Thy father's voice, my darling child 1"
But thy dear lips nor spake, nor smiled,
Statira !
Bereft of hope, yet hoping too,
Led by thy mother, I withdrew ;
For well the worth of prayer we knew,
Statira !
We kneel'd, and, by each other's side,
In tears, not words, to heaven we cried :
Could tears avail, thou hadst not died,
Statira !
10
218 THE LITERARY REMAINS
I feel it still that dying look,
Mine eye to briny gushings took,
While every nerve with anguish shook,
Statira !
I see it still that lovely face,
Illumed with wisdom and with grace,
O'er which no clouds of passion pass'd,
Statira !
I see thee clasp thy mother's neck,
And print thy kisses on her cheek :
In vain will she thy equal seek,
Statira !
The canvas did thy taste confess :
Thy "beauteous landscapes I caress ;
E'en Ruben's tints would please me less,
Statira !
Thy pen's remains I prize the more
Than would the learn'd, the letter'd lore,
From. Persian bards, or Attic shore,
Statira !
Thy conduct, still above thy age,
Each opening virtue did presage,
And every heart and lip engage,
Statira !
Oh ! how I loved that temper'd tongue, -
On which the law of kindness hung,
From which no ill or folly sprung,
Statira !
Each Sabbath saw thee with delight
Within my house the babes unite,
Whom thou didst teach tc read and write,
Statira !
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 219
The power of grace I joy'd to see,
From guile and affectation free,
Take up its young abode in thee,
Statira !
Thy heart well loved the holy place,
The queen of days, the throne of grace,
The Saviour's words, and works, and ways,
Statira !
A violet was thy piety,
Retired in charms of modesty,
And most betray 'd. by fragrancy,
Statira !
I feel thy loss in every part ;
I mourn, I bleed beneath the smart,
Yet kiss the hand that breaks my heart,
Statira.
Thou hast, in all thy early bloom,
First tenanted thy father's tomb,
And made him willing there to come,
Statira !
Ah ! were this all of nineteen years
The end of all our loves and cares,
What hand could then e'er wipe oui fears,
Statira !
But no, we 've rear'd thee for the skies ;
Thy soul is now in Paradise,
But thy dear flesh again shall rise,
Statira !
220 THE LITERARY REMAINS
LINES WRITTEN ON SEEING- MY PORTRAIT BY MR. ETTY, DESIGN-
ED FOR MR. AND MKS. BOLTON, AT LIVERPOOL. SEPT. loTH.
1817.
ETTY, 'tis done ! The very man breathes now ;
I feel the likeness, and my friends avow.
Yes, here or much I err thou surely hast
(What none beside could do) thyself surpass'd.
And still, thou child of nature and of art,
Thy mind all taste, and ardor all thy heart,
Let each success to higher fame beguile
And rise the Reynolds of our peerless isle.
Now go, my shade, and let my children see
Their absent father present still in thee.
Look on them well, yet not in sullen mood
To chill their freedoms, and their joys exclude :
On nothing frown, but reason would condemn ;
Nor what is past to me, forbid to them.
Say, " Love each other ; love all human-kind,
And spread the mercy which you hope to find.
In nothing e'er the voice within despise,
Nor slight the Book that beckons to the skies.
No word, no action, let his God displease,
And, iu a sire's inspection, feel at ease."
Yet should as danger e'en the good surround,-
And they are ambush'd most who mt'St abound
Should e'er forgetfulness a blame incur,
Then rise, my type, and prove the monitor.
Yet still with meekness chide, and melting mien,
And from a fault, with kind caressings, win.
And when, in days to come, in silence laid,
Low sleepy thi form that skill has here portray'd,
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. " 221
Some stranger asks, who ne'er the living knew,
If strong the likeness, and the features true 1
" O yes," my first-born cries, " my father dear
'Tis what he was, his very self is there ;
The way in which he sat ; the air he wore ;
His look benign, yet tinged with frowning o'er ;
His aspect varying, yet the general view
Easy, though anxious ; pleased, yet plaintive too.
His eye retired and close, which yet confess'd
A mind in action, but a heart at rest ;
The mouth his own, whose kindness oft was found,
And half a smile would lurk his lips around.
" Such was the man from whom my breath I drew,
Whose love to me no ebbing ever knew :
That transversed knee was long my favor'd seat ;
That hand inclined oft led my infant feet ;
That hand unseen ne'er waked a moment's fear,
The plum was seen, but not the rod was there ;
And be my boast in her confession known
She never gave me pain but by her own."
LINES SUPPOSED TO BE SPOKEN BY MRS. BOLTON, ON THE RE-
CEIPT OF HEE MOTHER'S LIKENESS, SENT HER BY MR. ASHTON.
MY Mother ! 'tis your own dear face
Here meets my eager view.
Yes, at each glance, again I cry,
" My Mother, it is you /"
But how my spirits flow and sink,
What mingled thoughts arise,
As o'er this welcome shade I throw
My joyful, weeping eyes !
222 THE LITEBARY REMAINS
Backwards I rush to those first hours
When round thy neck I hung.
And thou didst guide my tottering feet,
And bless my prattling tongue.
Thy counsels, and example fair,
In love's soft bondage led,
And taught me how to rise above,
And how earth's paths to tread.
But how time flies ! since thee I left,
What varied scenes I 've traced !
What changes, trials, blessings, known !
And here I 'in fixed at last ;
Away from Albion's soil my friends
My father's house so dear ;
And far from thee, whose sadden'd age
'Twould be my heaven to cheer !
O what were life without the aid
Of faith's supporting power ?
Ah ! but for this my heart had died
In many a trembling hour.
More worn with days and sighings oft
Thou seem'st, than when I took
(The sacred spot remembered well,)
That last, that lingering look.
O could I once again behold
That placid, plaintive mien,
And but embrace the lovely wreck
Of what thou long hast been !
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 223
And is the sight forever barr'd ?
Are we no more to meet ?
O happy brevity of life
That will our bliss complete !
Then, freed from all thy present griefs,
Thy raptur'd child shall see,
And tell thee, dearest Mother, how,
How much she owes to thee.
APRIL 15, 1838.
TO MISS BROWNE, ON HEH PRESENTING HIM WITH A PAIR
OF GLASSES.
So you, my friend, with kindness prompt
Long known and often tried,
Have thus, to aid your pastor's sight,
The need of art supplied.
And he, not senseless of thy care,
Would wish the boon repaid ;
And hopes, by instrument Divine,
To yield thee kindred aid ;
By faith, a glass of sovereign use,
That brings the distant near,
Enlarges sense and reason's bounds,
And makes the doubtful clear.
He 'd gladly help thine eye to read
The record God has given,
With brighter gaze thy Jesus see,
And view thy right to heaven.
224 THE LITERARY REMAINS
" Father of lights," from whom proceed
Whatever gifts we own,
Various the mediums may be found,
But Thou the source, alone !
To Thee, our being and our weal,
Each power and bliss we owe ;
All nature's treasures flow* from thee,
And arfs improvements flow.
Nor let us ever little deem
What so our good befriends,
That lengthens out our visual ray,
And all its joys extend :
That aids us still the pencil's tint
In glowing charms to ken,
And read, alone, the letter dear
From Friendship's absent pen :
That helps us still the page to scau
Of authors grave or gay ;
Theirs, who our pleasure but consult,
And theirs who teach to pray :
That guides us to the Tree of Life,
The Book of heavenly grace ;
To see and gather from the boughs
The fruits of joy and peace.
But ah ! my friend, a present such
A solemn voice assumes :
" See how of life the noon is gone,
And how the evening comes !"
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 225
The leaves that fade and fall foretell
The year's last setting sun,
And Autumn is but Winter seen
Approaching and begun .
Not sudden shuts the eve of life,
Nor without warnings due ;
Deaf grows the ear, and dim the eye,
To preach, " Thy days are few."
And shall we dream of years to come.
Nor note our frame's decay ?
Waken, O Lord, our sleepful souls
And bid us live to-day
JBLY 29, 1819.
TO MISS BROWNE, ON PRESENTING HIM WITH SEVERAL
BANDS MADE OUT
PISCOPAL SLEEVES.
BANDS MADE OUT OF HER GRANDFATHER'S ARCIIIE-
A MIND to observation turn'd
May well with wonder glow,
To see the changes human things
Are doomed to undergo.
A vesture that a palace graced
May serve a meeting-house at last !
" What impious profanation this,"
So D b ny would speak ;
" To take a robe a Bishop wore
And bind it round the neck,
Design'd a sacred badge to be
Of schism and of heresy !"
10*
226 THE LITERARY REMAINS
But he who now assumes the lawn,
Oh ! let it well be known,
Ne'er stole a pair of crosier'd sleeves,
Or wished such sleeves his own ;
Nor thought e'en such a bit to win
As now depends beneath his chin.
Yet such a present he esteems,
Peculiar in its kind,
And which, whene'er he puts it on,
The giver brings to mind,
Whose brains the plan unique conceived,
And whose own hands the work achieved.
WITH THE PRESENT OF A BIBLE, WRITTEN AND PRESENTED TO
HIS VERY DEAR DAUGHTER, MRS. ROBERT BOLTON, THE MORN-
ING OF HER MARRIAGE.
Tins Book, whose aim and Author are Divine,
This best of books, my much-lov'd Anne, be thine !
This early bless'd thee with an influence mild,
It charm'd the infant, and it form'd the child.
This, when a daughter, sweetly ruled thy life,
And now demands thy duty as a Wife.
O daily read ; and in this Volume trace
Thy Sovereign's pleasure and thy Saviour's grace.
These rules will keep thee in a world of snares,
These comforts cheer thee in a vale of tears.
In every scene to this dear Book be just,
Each counsel follow and each promise trust.
Be this thy study ; this thy glory be ;
And let thy Mother be renew'd in thee.
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 227
TO MRS. GILL. ON HER DESIRIN& FROM HIM A LETTER OF HIS
OWN WRITING TO BE KEPT FOR HIS SAKE.
January 22, 1823.
So you, dear Madam, ask a line,
And how can I deny you ?
That you may keep, in my own hand,
A brief memorial by you.
*
Well, here it is, when I am gone
To tell, whoe'er may note it,
How long I knew, and much I prized,
The Friend for whom I wrote it.
To tell how warm, and changeless too,
The kindness of her heart ;
And how in all my joys and tears
She bore a feeling part.
To tell that none at wisdom's gate
More constantly was found,
Or with more joy, when call'd, e'er trod
The temple's holy ground.
To tell how she, not free from fear,
A lively hope possessed,
While all her walk and spirit show'd
The Gospel she profess'd.
So spake her pastor while below ;
Nor can his hope be vain,
That she will prove his joy and crown
When they shall meet again.
228 THE LITERARY REMAINS
LINES ON HIS FIFTY-FIFTH BIRTH-DAY, MAY 8, 1824.
WHAT, my soul, O. what emotion
Should I on this morning feel,
Shame, and grief, and new devotion,
Hope, and gratitude, and zeal ;
These, if conscience be addressed,
These become my Birth-day best.
SHAME, that fruit so small, if any,
Should from such high culture spring ;
GRIEF, that seasons rich and many
Should no longer profit bring.
O, how guilty life appears,
When compared with means and years !
PRAISE, that though, His counsels shining,
F ve rebelled against the light,
He his love revealed each morning,
And his faithfulness each night.
If a tear my eye-lids knew,
Mercy shut and wiped it too.
HOPE, that He who ne'er denied me,
In my worth or in my woe,
Will each day Arith grace provide me,
And his strength in weakness show.
He, my Guardian, yet can shield,
Till I leave the conquer'd field.
ZEAL, for now the sun, descending,
Calls to mind the close of day ;
And how soon, in life declining,
Will the seasons flee away.
. 1 may then their loss deplore ;
But they can return no more.
OF THE KEY. WILL JAM JAY. 229
PRAYER ; alone I would not venture
On a year of good or ill ;
Saviour Jesus, with me enter,
And afford thy presence still.
Let me live, or let me die,
Nought I want if thou art nigh.
LINES WRITTEN ON VISITING HIS NATIVE VILLAGE, IN 1800.
[Before these lines we place a brief extract from a letter written
to a friend, after another visit to Tisbury, many years subsequent
to that on which the lines were written: "My visit was pleasant,
but the Sunday was wet all day, yet we had many to- hear. I felt
more than usual, perhaps from the thought, how few more visits I
was ever likely to pay the place. I found my parental cottage clean
and neat, with many flowers before the door. I sent the occupants
(distant relations) into the garden for awhile, in order to be alone
and so I ' went in and sat before the Lord, and said, What am I, and
what is my father's house, that thou hast brought me hitherto ? ' I
sat in the very same great arm-chair which I had always seen
my father sit in ; and all is still in tolerable condition. I was affect-
ed with the thought that seventy-four years ago, in this humble
room, the peculiar child of Providence breathed his infancy and
childhood how unlikely to become what he has since been !"]
THE way by which a gracious God
Has led me all my days,
Demands, on each review, a song
Of wonder and of praise.
His care, attending every step,
Was my perpetual guide ;
His ear attentive heard my prayer ;
His hand my wants supplied.
230 THE LITERARY REMAINS
The course through which my journey ran
Was winding and unknown ;
His providence the scenes had plann'd,
And each appeared His own.
More now, since first I left this spot,
Than twice eight years have fled ;
And many once who charm'd my youth
Are number'd with the dead.
'Twas here I drew my infant breath :
Here fled my youthful hours ;
Here first I heard the Gospel sound,
And felt its heavenly powers.
When o'er my former walks I rove,
How fresh the scenes appear !
And here I pour'd an artless prayer,
And there indulged a tear.
Unknown to fortune and to fame,
My early years expired ;
No science had enrich'd my mind,
No hope my bosom fired.
But Heaven a Winter thus addressed
" This youth I charge on thee,
Go, take him I the impulse gave
And train him up for Me.
" Awaken thou each dormant power,
Chase every cloud away,
And on his understanding pour
An intellectual day.
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 231
" The tree that in a barren soil
Can no good produce bear,
Transposed, may flourish, and with fruit
Repay the dresser's care."
Winter,* I love to think on thee,
And those dear hours review,
When in thy house, and from thy lips,
I sacred wisdom drew.
Thy life, enforcing all thy rules,
Shed every grace abroad,
And thine example all alive
Portray'd the man of God.
Nor would I now the blessings lose
Which from thy care have flow'd.
For all that schools of fame have given,
Or colleges bestow'd.
* Mr. Jay says, in. the Life of Winter, p. 272, concerning these
lines, when transmitted to Mr. Wiuter, he wrote thus : "It is im-
possible I can keep the little poem to myself; and yet I truly blush
at being the subject of so much honor as it intends me. I pray God
that in the judgment-day I may be found the consistent character
such as I ought to be. From the many imperfections known to my-
self, I feel shame ; while from my fellow-creatures I meet with ap-
plause, to which my dearest Jay contributes much. I sometimes
tremble on this account. I know that I am not disposed to make
an improper use of it, and am. sure that it does not in the least di-
vert me from the Saviour, whose name is all my trust. I need His
mercy, and am in His service an unprofitable servant. If, like
' Charles,' in Cowper, I have been desirous to please, and have made
any effort to serve acceptably, it is because I love my Master ; and
wherein I can best serve him, I would be most willing." " I feel,"
says he, " as indifferent to everything above the supply of food and
raiment administered in a decent manner, as a dead man does to the
coffin h vhich his remains are confined."
232 THE LITERARY REMAINS
Here, O my soul, the time recall
When my commission came
How bless'd when sixteen years had roll'd,
To preach a Saviour's name.
Poor Arlington ! among thy sons,
The shepherds of the plain,
My first attempt to preach was made,
Nor was it made in vain.
The cloudy pillar leading on.
Its motions I pursued,
Till o'er the city famed for cures,
The holy symbol stood.
" Here," cried the voice, " thy station fix,
And here thy rovings end ;
Here teach the words of endless life,
And here my charge attend.
" Proclaim a Fountain nobler far
Than this Bethesda knows ;
' Tis always open, always free,
And with salvation flows.
" The sons of pleasure here who come,
Invite to endless bliss ;
He who another life receives,
Can only relish this.
" Here Satan's seat exalted stands,
And .vice in triumph reigns ;
A crown for him who owns Me here,
And all My truth maintains."
O Lord, evince the choice Thine own,
Which placed me where I move :
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 233
And, while Thy people see Thy power,
May one a thousand prove !
Here I return, increased and bless'd
By all-indulgent Heaven ;
My God, the joys of wedded life,
And children, too, has given.
Yonder appears, "by Anna led,
My lovely train in view ;
My cherubs, round your mother play,
The scene shall end with you.
To raise an Ebenezer here,
My God is surely just ;
My motto, " Praise for all the past,
And for the future, trust."
In the Hymn Book used at Argyle Chapel, as a supple-
ment to Dr. Watts's, Mr. Jay inserted about twenty, com-
posed by himself. As these are not distinguished by any
peculiar mark, we have thought it would be gratifying to
his friends to have them pointed out. As far as we have
been able to ascertain, they are the following : 79, 151, 161,
230, 270, 360, 370, 422, 441, 443, 446, 455, 458, 462, 465,
471,483,498,501,503.
ANECDOTE.
Conversion and subsequent History of Mrs. Ulph.
I knew the subject of this brief notice first,
she was bar-niaid at the White Hart Inn, Bath, therv
234 THE LITETU.KY REMAINS
kept by Mr. and Mrs. Pickwick. My acquaintance
with her commenced very incidentally. I was going
to Ckippenham. The London coach from Bath took
ine up at my own door. I found in it only one passen-
ger. This was a young female, in whose countenance
and manner of speech there was something very
pleasing and interesting. I felt a wish to say some-
thing during our journey that might be useful, though
she was an entire stranger ; remembering the asser-
tion and admonition of Solomon "A word fitly
spoken, how good is it ! In the morning sow thy seed,
and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou
knowest not whether shall prosper either this or that,
or whether they both shall be alike good." I had an
opening for this without the impropriety of forcing re-
ligious reflection upon my fellow-traveller, as is often
done, abruptly and offensively.
This arose from my mentioning the design of my joiir-
ney, which was to preach a funeral sermon for a very good
man, who had died in such a blessed manner as to ex-
emplify the words of David " Mark the perfect man,
and behold the upright, for the end of that man is
peace;" and which must have induced all who wit-
nessed it, or heard of it, to exclaim "Let me die the
death of the righteous, and let my last end belike his."
I noticed also something of the excellency of char-
acter with which such a decease well harmonized. I
soon perceived that, instead of wishing this kind of
discourse broken off, she encouraged its continuance.
I therefore spoke on till I left the coach. I was glad
to see she was going on alone, hoping solitariness
would help impression, and that what had been spoken
might be useful in days to come.
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 235
I was happy enough, to learn afterwards that this
was the case. In consequence of what she had heard,
she was favorably disposed towards me ; and rinding
that I was a minister, and preached in Bath, she resolv-
ed upon her return to go and hear me. She did so,
and it was not in vain in the Lord. For one dav,
t> /
some months after, I received a note from Mrs. Pick-
wick, saying, that a young person whom she much,
valued was very ill, and was anxious to see me, and
begging that I would visit her. I immediately went.
As I approached what was supposed to be a dying bed,
she wept much. When she had recovered herself,
and I saw her face, " Why, surely," said I, "I have
seen you before." "Sir," said she, "blessed be God,
you have;" and then called to my remembrance our
transient intercourse when we travelled together to
Chippenham at such a time, and the benefit (she hoped
she was not deceiving herself) she had derived from it.
The difficulties and hinderances we meet with in the
things of Grod arise not so. much from the subject as
from ourselves ; and when the heart is once opened
and humbled, and we are brought to the foot of the
cross, and to the foot of the throne, we are soon led
forward in the right road. I found, therefore, the
mind of the sufferer much advanced for the time in
spiritual knowledge and experience; and knowing
what I now learnt, had she then died, I should have
had the fullest satisfaction concerning her eternal state ;
but she soon surprisingly recovered, was finally re-
stored, and continued attending at Argyle Chapel.
Her opportunities of attendance were soon enlarg-
ed, in consequence of her having made it a condi-
tion of her remaining in her place, and which was
236 THE LITERATI Y REMAINS
readily conceded from a regard to the value of her
services, rather than from any wish to favor the object
of her desires. O how much may those who are in
official situations accomplish by walking in wisdom to-
wards those that are without ! They may put to silence
the ignorance of those who are ready to accuse them,
remove their prejudices, and win them without the
word. And who ever walked uprightly without walk-
ing surely? and when did Grocl ever falsify his own
word : " Them that honor me I will honor " ?
Not long after these occurrences, a passenger through
Bath stayed a few days at the White Hart Inn. He
was a truly good man, possessed of landed property,
and also carrying on a large business at St. lyes, near
Cambridge. Being a Dissenter, and having heard of
my name, he inquired of the bar-maid, on the Sunday
morning, where Mr. Jay preached? She answered,
" I am just going to his chapel ; and, if agreeable, I
will show you the way." He accepted tho oiibr. After
the service, meeting her in the house, he thanked her
for directing him, and spoke concerning the sermon ;
and again and again he noticed her.
And now another leaf in her book of providence
was to be turned over without any thought of hers.
Though she was very modest and retiring, (and indeed
very much because she was so,) she much impressed
him. Owing to this impression, he prolonged his stay;
and the impression continually increasing, he offered
her his hand, and she, after reflection and proper in-
quiry, saw no reason to refuse it.
She now, of course, removed to his residence at St.
Ives, where, for many years, she exemplified the ex-
cellences of the wife, the mother, the mistress, the
OF THE EEV. tVTLLIAM JAY. 287
friend, and the neighbor in the Christian. Her con-
versation was such as became the Gospel. She bore
richly of the fruits of the Spirit, and adorned the doc-
trine of God her Saviour in all things. Having no\v r
the command of property, she added beneficence to
benevolence ; and, instead of only saying with many,
"Depart in peace; be ye warmed and filled!" she gave
them liberally such, things as were needful ; and, while
not forgetful of the bodv, she showed herself still more
O <j i
concerned for the soul ; and by her prayers, and in-
fluence, and example, the diligence and gentleness of
her instructions and invitations, and the uniformity
and loveliness of her character and conduct, she was
always endeavoring to bring souls to the Saviour, and
in some way or other to promote his cause.
Some years after her marriage, and at her earnest and
repeated request, (her husband cordially joining in it,)
I visited St. Ives. She was a good trumpeter, and hod
prepared the way for my coming. My preaching-
proved peculiarly acceptable, and I hope and believe
good was done in various instances. To add to the ef-
fect of my public addresses, she pressed persons to
come to her house to attend the domestic worship.
But, as the number increased to the inconvenience
and disordering of the family, and as the meeting-
house was near, I proposed that, during the rest of my
visit, I should perform the service there every morn-
ing. This I did, beginning at seven, and continuing
then, and in all my after visits, a little more than half-
an-hour, adding to the psalm and prayer a short ex-
position of Scripture. Though the exercise was early,
the attendance commonly filled the place; and surely
God was in the midst of us of a truth. The services
238 THE LITERARY REMAINS
were informal and simple, and the spirit of devotion
was certainly felt. With what pleasure does the
writer call back those delightful engagements, in which
many joined in saying, " Lord, it is good for us to be
here."
The pastor of the church at this time, instead of
feeling jealousy or indifference, was himself most
pleasingly excited, and did everything in his power to
increase a brother's acceptance and success. He was
the excellent Mr. Crisp, who is now, and has been for
some years, the president of the Baptist College in
Bristol ; and his removal to that important station was
one of the results of the writer's intercourse with St.
Ives. Nor can he forbear mentioning another event
originating from it, viz., the marriage of his second
daughter to Grarnt Ashton, Esq., an event very inter-
esting to his feelings, and which has furnished one of
the greatest satisfactions of his life. After a course,
blameless, exemplary, and useful in no common de-
gree, this follower of the Lamb finished her course in
peace, and fell asleep in Jesus; and is had in applaud-
ing remembrance of all that were about her.
A minister should feel peculiarly honored and grate-
ful when Grod gives him a convert that not only ob-
tains good, but also perpetuates, multiplies, and dif-
fuses it. We believe that none of the subjects of di-
vine grace are entirely barren and . unfruitful in the-
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour ; but some of the
good ground brings forth, not only thirty but sixty,
and even a hundredfold.
JST.B. I shall here mention a little incident which
I met with before I left St. Ives. One day I saw on
a small under-shelf in the pulpit a volume of hymns
OP THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 239
and spiritual songs; it consisted of three books: 1st.
On various subjects. 2dlj. Adapted to the Lord's
Supper. 3clly. In peculiar measures. It -was designed
as a Supplement to Dr. Watts. I had never seen it nor
heard of it before. I took it to the house of my friend ;
and after examining it, I borrowed it ; and rinding it
was not used in the worship, nor found in the congre-
gation, I begged it. The compositions themselves be-
trayed much spirituality and evangelism, and no little
degree of poetical excellence. A few of them I have
inserted in my own appendix to Watts. As the book
seems to be now unknown, and the author, one of the
most extraordinary individuals that ever lived in our
world, it may be interesting to mention a few facts
concerning him. His name was Simon Brown, and
he lies buried at Bridge water. He first labored in
Portsmouth, and afterwards preached somewhere in
London. For many years before his death he fell into
the strange notion, that God had for his sins annihi-
lated his rational soul, and had left him only the soul
of a brute. He never after this felt the least doubt to
shake this conviction. Yet he wrote several works ;
one was a Defence of Christianity against the Deists ;
the dedication of which, as a most singular curiosity, is
to be found, under his name, in the "Encyclopaedia
Britannica."
In some respects his case surpassed Cowper's ; yet,
under all his delusion, there was nothing exceptionable
in all his productions ; so that Mr. Toplady said of
him. instead of having no soul, he wrote, and reason-
ed, and prayed as if he had two.
240 THE LITERARY REMAIN'S
THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
Addressed to Mr. Charles Godwin.
UPON the formation of this Christian Association in
Bath, Mr. Jay received an invitation to attend. He
was unable to comply, owing to a previous engage-
ment, but expressed his concurrence and approbation
thus :
I preached, indeed, last evening, but with diffi-
culty, and at present I shrink back from any addition-
al excitement or exertion.
This, however, is not the only reason of my non-at-
tendance. I am. this day seventy -and-seven years old,
2 Sam. vii, 18 ; the day is felt interesting to my family,
and some more immediate connexions, and I had made
engagements which I cannot now alter, and engaged
those I cannot put off.
I was not brought up among the JUxclusives, and I
have served all religious parties; holding the Head,
who have applied for my services. I have always
held my own sentiments with firmness, and preached
them without disguise ; and I never found the sober
and candid statement of these offensive to those who dif-
fered from me, as they saw I gave the liberty I took.
I have long been convinced that illiberality is not
confined to any one denomination of Christians we
are all verily guilty ; and that bigotry is not to be
subdued by bigotry, but by an opposite spirit.
The attempt (to form the Alliance) commenced at
Liverpool, was a noble one, and failure in such an en-
deavor would be far preferable to success in a thousand
other causes ; but no good effort, begun with such an
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 241
aim. and carried on in such a spirit, and with G od in
the midst of it, ever was, ever will be, ever can be, in
vain.
I shall be with you in spirit ; and I have such con-
fidence in the wisdom and goodness of my brethren,
that, whatever they agree in, I shall unite in with
them ; that is, as far as to acquiesce, and countenance,
and recommend, for I must give up positive agencies.
It is too late for me to take part in initiative and ex-
ecutive proceedings ; and, blessed be God, there are
enough to be found of leisure and ability for such pur-
poses. I have too much for my age upon my head
and hands from the press and the pulpit; and I must
draw in from other things ; for which, too, I was al-
ways less fit."
May 3, 1846.
I wish the Evangelical Alliance met with more en-
couragement. I expect good from it. It must tend
to liberalize and unite which we so much want. May
the Lord be in the midst of them as a spirit of judg-
ment and a spirit of burning !
DR. JOHN OWEN.
I HAVE been dipping a little into dear Doctor Owen's
book on the " Grlory of Christ," which he wrote and
published in his last illness, when he was above half
way to heaven. what a savor is there in every
page, every line, every word! If other books lead us
to religion, rouse us, and attach us to religion, this
brings us into it. " The true spouse of Jesus Christ,"
he says, "is to be known by her always enjoying the
company of her beloved, or mourning after it." This,
I think, is one of those 'emarks that a Christian may
ll
24-2 THE LITERARY REMAINS
easily apprehend and rejoice in. The Doctor observes,
also, " That Christ in heaven does not live a life of
mere glory , but of office.' 1 '' Yes, it was expedient for
us that He went away. His exaltation has not ban-
ished us from his mind. He appears in the presence
of God for us. could we by faith see our High
Priest in his complete administration could we see
him as John saw him, clothed with a garment down
to the feet, and girt with a golden girdle what a con-
solation would it infuse into our souls under painful
apprehensions of our guilt and imperfections ! What
an energy would it communicate to all our exertions !
"What a fervor into all our devotional intercourse with
God!
APOSTOLICAL SUCCESSION.
"LET me know," he said, writing to a friend, " when
has established the Apostolical Succession, as I
intend then, old as I am, to conform. Many of the
clergy here begin to be shy of the notion, seeing the
use the Puseyites make of it, and that it appears to
be the main pillar of Popery. One of them (a rector
too), conversing in my library some time ago, when a
very foolish thing was said, exclaimed, " Really I know
nothing so absurd, except our notion of Apostolical
Succession !" Newton and Scott, &c., &c., knew no-
thing of this; nor the best of our evangelical clergy
now. The lower ground for a Ghurch-of-England
man is the safest. A high churchman will never be
able to contend successfully against a papist.
WORDSWORTH.
I WAS rather surprised at your admiration of Words-
worth. He is always beyond me. I can never under-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 243
stand him ; and I have no notion of studying poetry,
which is designed to please, and which, like a fine
scene of nature, strikes and delights me at once. Do
you remember (though I have not been influenced by
them) how the Edinburgh Reviewers dealt with him
some years ago ? But it has become fashionable to
extol him ; and much of this has been owing to his
Tory friends, in reward for his bigoted aristocratic
feeling. I have here presented you with Cowper's
Life and Works. Eead, and eat, and drink him. He
is the poet all nature and all grace too ; never in the
fogs never making his readers pause to ask what is
the meaning of this ? or if there is any ? and is it just
or not ? is it interesting or not ?
MOEAL AND EVANGELICAL PREACHING.
THE difference between these is, not that one
preaches good works, and not the other, for both
preach them ; but one expects motion without life, the
other looks for life in order to motion ; the one waters
dead trees, and obtains no fruit ; the other living trees,
that bring forth abundantly.
INDWELLING SIN.
SAINT PAUL said, " I am sold under sin." But it is
recorded of Ahab that he sold himself to work wicked-
ness. There is a great difference between the man
who sells himself and the poor negro who is kidnapped.
" It is no more," says the Apostle, " I that do it, but
sin that dwelleth in me."
244 THE LITERARY REMAINS
THE EELATIVE MISERY OF SIN.
"That man perished not alone in his iniquity.' JOSHUA, xxii. 20.
THERE is no greater fallacy than is involved in the
common phrase, "He is no man's enemy but . Js own."
Every bad man is the enemy of his wife, his children,
his family at large, his church, his country, and his
kind ; nor does any rank he may hold in society in-
validate the truth of this remark, nor diminish the re-
sponsibility of the transgressor.
ORTON'S "LIFE OF DODDRIDGE."
MR. JAY said that Mr. Wilberforce considered Or-
ton's " Life of Doddridge" one of the best pieces of
biography in our language ; and Mr. Cornelius Win-
ter observed, that if ever he felt disposed to pride, he
took down that work to read.
COMMON SENSE.
WHEN will the grace of Grod enthrone common
sense in the minds of religious people ?
FAITH.
MAN originally fell by losing his confidence in God,
and can only be raised by the restoration of his confi-
dence. In other words, unbelief was his ruin, and he
now stands by faith.
FISHING FOR COMPLIMENTS.
SOME people angle for praise with the bait of hu-
mility. I hope you will never be caught by it. They
condemn themselves, hoping that you will contradict
OP THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 245
them and commend them. Kather join in running
them down. It is always "better to eri on the safe
side.
THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST.
IT is most probable that the Almighty has chosen
to veil the precise nature of this sin under more or
less of obscurity, in order that we may keep at the
utmost possible distance from it. If I wish to protect
an enclosure from depreciation, and for that purpose
affix the usual notice, that traps or snares are set
within, I do not at the same time advertise the public
where they are placed, or I may be sure they will enter
where they consider it safe.
TYPES AND SHADOWS.
THE Jews, like children, had a. picture placed above
their lesson.
THE GREAT .INTERCESSOR.
HE who knows but the- alphabet of prayer, and he
who has been most experienced in its use, must alike
take refuge in Him who ever liveth to make interces-
sion for us.
ON LORD BYRON.
IN a sermon preached in May, 1824, from 1 Pet. i.
24, 25 : " For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory
of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth,
and the flower thereof falleth away ; but the word of
the Lord endureth forever ; and this is the Word
which by the Grospel is preached unto you," in notic-
ing the death of this illustrious individual, Mr. Jay
246 THE LITERARY REMAINS
delivered the following apostrophe, which was soon
after inserted in the "Bath and Cheltenham Ga-
zette" :
" Byron ! Byron ! thy death brought this text to
my remembrance ! Byron ! thy premature fall gave
rise to these solemn reflections! Who can help la-
menting the perverse and unhallowed use of thy stu-
pendous powers ! "Who can think, unmoved, of the
vigor of thy intellect the riches of thy imagination
thy breathless sublimities of conception and express-
ion ! Who can think, unmoved, of the going down
of such a sun at noon ! of a genius, that might have
ranked with a Milton, quenched forever ; and leaving
so much to admire so much to deplore so much to
abhor ! No knell of departed greatness has ever more
solemnly sounded forth this sentiment : All flesh is as
grass j and all the glory of man as the flower of grass : the
grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away"
SERMON J-
"He shall choose our inheritance for us." PSALM xlvii. 4.
DAVID said, " I rejoice at thy word as one that find-
eth great spoil." " The law of thy mouth is better
unto me than thousands of gold and silver." The
Scriptures abound with instructions, admonitions, and
counsels ; and he who studies and observes them will
find that they are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, foi instruction in righteousness, that the
man of Grod may be perfect, thoroughly furnished untc
OF THE EEV. "WILLIAM JAY. 247
all good works," and may stand complete in all the
will of God.
The Book of Psalms we have always considered as
the treasury of religious experience : whether we are
in sorrow or in joy, whether we pray or praise, wheth-
er we exercise confidence or resignation, here we al-
ways find " a word in season ;" and " how good is
it !" " 'Tis like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Such is the language of our text, " He shall choose
our inheritance for us." May the God of all grace en-
able us to make this sentiment our own ! In order to
accomplish this purpose, let us make four inquiries ;
and, 1st, To what does the sentiment refer ? 2dly, On
what is the sentiment founded ? 3dly, By what is the
sentiment enforced? 4thly, How is the sentiment to
be improved? "Consider what I say, and the Lord
give you understanding in all things." FIRST, To
WHAT DOES THE SENTIMENT REFER " our inherit-
ance" ? Now Canaan was the inheritance of the Jews,
and God chose this for them. Thus they could say,
" The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, we
have a goodly heritage," for it was the glory of all
lands, and flowed with milk and honey. The Chris-
tian has another and a better inheritance, " an inherit-
ance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for him;" and this God has chosen
for him, and he cannot be satisfied without the pos-
session of it. " As for me," says he, with David, " I
will behold thy face in righteousness ; I shall be sat-
isfied when I awake in thy likeness ;" for, be it re-
membered, his resignation to the choice of God with
regard to his eternal destiny does not extend so far as
some profess to extend it ; he does not express himself
248 THE LITERARY REMAINS
with tliose deluded persons, and say (this is the Ian
gunge of one of them), "Lord, if thou send me to hell
or to heaven, thy will b, clone; whether my portion is
to be saved or to perish, I shall never cease to love or tc
praise thee." Why, a little experience of the misery of
the lost would bring these poor creatures to their senses.
There are two things which we may observe. The
one is, the thing of which they boast is impossible.
You cannot love one that you are persuaded is an ene-
my to your eternal happiness. And, secondly, the
thing implies also a contradiction, for God has com-
manded us to seek, above all things, "his kingdom
and his righteousness." Therefore, he can never be
pleased at our disregarding what he has enjoined, or
with our willingness to sacrifice what he has promised.
But a Christian can leave to his heavenly Father all
the choice of his eternal inheritance (that is, when he
can realize his interest in Christ), knowing that " in
his Father's house are many mansions ;" and as to the
degree of glory he shall obtain, for " one star differ-
eth from another star in glory;" and as to the employ-
ments in which he shall be engaged, for "his servants
shall serve him" as -well as see his face, and shall
"serve him day and night in his temple." His grand
concern is to gain the reality, and, as to the rest, in re-
gard to all the appendages, he can say, " If by any
means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead."
But the sentiment refers to time rather than to eter-
nuy, and to Grod's choice in the regulation of all our
enjoyments 011 earth. Thus, therefore, the Christian
can sajr, " The Lord shall choose my inheritance for
me," as to my abode. He shall determine the bounds
of my habitation, and the place of my residence. A
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 249
change of situation, contrary to my disposition and
inclination to a fixed abode, I find to be trying ; but I
know not what effects with regard to myself or others
may result from it.
" To me remains nor place nor time,
My country is in every clime ;
I can be calm, and free from care,
On any sliore, since God is tliere.
At home, abroad, what sweets they prove,
"Whose souls are fired with sacred love ;
In heaven, on earth, or on the sea,
"Where'er they dwell, they dwell with Thee.
"While place we seek, or place we shun,
The soul finds happiness iu none ;
But if Thy smiles attend our way,
'Tis equal joy to go or stay.
Could I be cast where Thou art not,
That were indeed a dreadful lot ;
But regions none remote I call,
Secure of finding: Thee in all."
o
" He shall choose my inheritance for me" as to occu-
pation. He shall determine the nature of my profess-
ion and calling. He has servants in all vocations,
and they are all equally respectable when appointed
by Him, and all are "sanctified by the word of God
and prayer." " He shall choose my inheritance for
me" as to condition. He shall determine whether my
plans shall flourish or fail ; whether I am to be known
'or to be obscure ; whether I am to be affluent or poor.
" He shall choose my inheritance for me" as to connec-
tion. He shall determine whether I am to serve Him
individually 01 relatively, whether I shall preside over
11*
250 THE LITERARY REMAINS
a family or be written childless in the earth, whether I
shall have friends, or whether I am to feel the want
of them. " He shall choose my inheritance for me"
as to health. He shall determine whether I am to
serve Him actively or passively, whether my strength,
shall be equal to my day of labor, and my hands be
sufficient for me, or whether I shall be made to possess
months of vanity, or have wearisome nights appointed
unto me. " He shall choose my inheritance for me"
as to life itself. He shall determine how long or how
short shall be its continuance ; and the time and place,
the mode and the means, of my removal, I leave with
Him in whose hands my breath is, and whose are all
my ways. Thus, all that alarms my fears, all that ex-
cites my hopes, all that engages my expectations, I
commit to Him in compliance with his merciful admo-
nitions and injunctions, " Oast thy burden on the
Lord, and he shall sustain thee." " Commit thy way
unto the Lord, trust also in him, and he shall bring it
to pass." " Casting all your care upon him, for he
careth for you."
" My cares, I give you to the wind,
And shake you off like dust ;
Well may we trust our all with Him,
With whom our souls we trust."
Let us inquire,
SECONDLY, ON WHAT THIS SENTIMENT is FOUNDED.
It is founded, my brethren, on the belief of God's su-
preme agency in all our affairs. Now. as to the fact
itself. There is such a thing as a Divine providence.
He who made the world has not abandoned it. " In
him we live and move," as wel as "have our being."
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAr. 251
And He does not govern all by mechanical laws, as a
man who may form a machine that can go without his
inspection, and which he may therefore leave, for a
season at least, to another, while he attends to some-
thing else. For here, were God to suspend his atten-
tion for one moment, all would run into confusion and
disorder. Nor does he govern all by general laws,
as if he regarded whole systems and whole worlds, or
a series of worlds, while he overlooks individuals and
minute concerns. This notion, half philosophical and
half infidel, some in our day have embraced, as if, for-
sooth, it were beneath Grod. What ! can it be beneath
him to manage what it was not beneath him to create ?
Or, as if they would save him trouble and perplexity
arising from a multiplicity of cares. But surely In-
finite Wisdom and Power can never be in perplexity.
He "fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no search-
ing of his understanding." There are those who cavil
at the notion of a particular providence ; but we should
remember that universal providence necessarily implies
a particular one, as the whole is necessarily made "up
of various parts. Let us, therefore, come and hear
Him, into whose lips grace was poured, and who
spake as never man spake. Let us hear Him, who
maketh his sun to shine on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust, Him,
who wings an angel, and teaches the spider to weave
his web who numbers the hair of our heads, remem-
bering it is said, " A sparrow falleth not to the ground
ivithout your Heavenly Father." Look, said our Lord
to his disciples, Look at the fowls of the air, which
neither have storehouse nor barn, yet they are pro-
vided for ; though when they drop from their perches
252 THE L1TEHARY REMAINS
in the morning they know not where they shall find
one grain of food. " And \vhy take ye thought for rai-
ment ? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow ;
they toil not, neither do they spin ;" but yet he clothes
them, and " Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
tike one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the
grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is
cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,
ye of little faith ?" "When we speak of little things,
we often know not what we are saying, for how can
we determine what is little ? There are many things
which are very small in themselves, yet, by their con-
nection and by their results, what are they ? How
often do we see events of the greatest importance
hanging upon apparently trifling circumstances !
When Joseph was sent to inquire after his brethren
in Dothan, how little did he think that he should go
by a way by which he should never return, and that
liis successes would furnish matter for entertainment
and instruction to the end of time ! We should al-
ways bear in mind, when we go forth in the morning,
that something may overtake us before evening, which
may give a complexion to the whole of our future
days. The providence of God extends not only to
our minute affairs, but to what we call casual con-
cerns ; for we are expressly told, that " the lot is cast
into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the
Lord." And what is accidental with regard to us is
not so with regard to God. " He worketh all things
according to the counsel of his own will ;" and " of
him, and from him, and to him are all things ; to
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
JSTow, my brethren, you will observe this is a fact
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 253
whether you hear, or whether you forbear; but he
who uses this- language realizes it, and brings it home
to his own bosom; he is persuaded though God is
high, yet that he condescends to manage his minute
affairs, and, therefore, says he, "I will cry unto Grod
most high, unto God that performeth all things for
me." While unbelief keeps God at a distance faith
brings him near, and with his presence fills what other-
wise would be a gloomy and aching void. "When I
am enabled to realize this principle and say, " He shall
choose my inheritance for me," then can I exercise
confidence in him, and then I feel fresh motives for
my praise and gratitude. "When I sink in deep waters
where there is no standing, this principle raises me
up, " sets my feet upon a rock, and establishes my
goings, and puts a new song into my mouth, even
praise unto the Lord." Now, I go on nry way ro-
joicing ; now, he who was once afar off is made nigh,
and my God sustains me ; now, I have a God who
has succeeded me in my. endeavors, who is doing .all
things for me, and doing all things well.
<_J / CJ C-/
The doctrine, my brethren, of a particular provi-
dence puts the Christian and all his concerns on board
a vessel, and then gives God the supreme command ;
so the Christian feels supreme satisfaction when he is
persuaded that all the Divine arrangements are made
with reference to his providence. I am well aware
that this notion may be carried to excess. "We have
all some secret tendency in us to enthusiasm and fa-
naticism ; and we sometimes meet with persons who
seem to think that they are the very centre of God's
designs, as if God had nothing to do but to attend to
them. Yet it is true he does act and care for the
254: THE LITERAEY REMAINS
Christian individually, for there are circumstances in
the life of every Christian that will not allow of his
questionii g it. When he looks lack he can say,
" Many days have pass'd since then,
Many changes I have seen,
Tet have been upheld till now ;
"Who could hold me up but Thou ?"
Then, as to the present, " Thou tellest all my wan-
derings ; thou puttest my tears into thy bottle ; are
they not in thy book ?" And it is, my brethren, a
truth, that while all creatures are the subjects of provi-
dence, his own people are the end-. Therefore it is
said, " The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout
the Avhole earth, to show himself strong on the behalf
of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
Let us now ask, and endeavor to answer, a third
question, viz :
THIRDLY, BY WHAT is THIS SENTIMENT ENFORCED ?
We will mention only one particular. Nothing can
be more reasonable than this confidence ; and, what-
ever the people of the world may think, "wisdom" as
our Lord says, "is justified of all her children ;" and
they are able to give a reason of their prospects, as
well of their hope. Let us, therefore, consider jive
things by way of argument. Grod has a right to choose
for us, and we have not a right. God is qualified to
choose for us, and we are not qualiiied to choose for
ourselves. Grod has already chosen well, and is will-
ing still to choose for us why should we resign Him?
and you never will feel so peaceful and so comfortable
as when you know all is under his care and direction,
that he has undertaken the charge in answer to your
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 255
resolution, " The Lord shall chose our inheritance for
us."
First. He has a right to choose for us. A right much
greater than a tutor over his pupils, or a father over
his child a right derived from, absolute sovereignty ;
for, has He not a right to do what he will with his
own ? Suppose He were to say to any creature, " Gro
thy way take that that is thine own ;" what would he
be able to take away? Would he be able to take
away himself? Why, his being would immediately
relapse into its original nothingness. He has a pro-
priety in us we never can say, He takes away from
us what does not belong to Him.
"The dear delights we here enjoy,
And fondly call our own,
Are but short favors, borrow'd now,
To be repaid anon."
But what right now have you to choose ? Produce it
if you can ; justify it if }-ou can. Have you made
yourself? Have you redeemed yourself? Have you
sustained yourself? From whose wardrobe have you
been clothed ? At whose table have you been fed ?
Who is it that draws your curtain at night around
you, and tells creation to be quiet while you slumber
and sleep ? Whose mercies are new every morning ?
A gardener may admire a beautiful flower, and may
wish to preserve what he has raised with so much care,
in the parterre. He conies into the garden, and finds
it gathered. But he is disposed to be angry, and asks,
" Who has gathered it ?" " Oh," says a fellow-servant,
"It was our master. He came here this morning, and
gathered it." What is the consequence ? Why then
256 THE LITERARY REMAINS
the gardener is still, and opens not his month," becanse
the owner has clone it. And shall it not be much
more the case with regard to us, with regard to our
losses and bereavements? Then you will observe,
Secondly, God is qualified to choose for us ; as the
right belongs to Him, so the ability belongs to Him ;
and His judgment is always according to truth. He
can never be mistaken, therefore,
"Since all the down-ward tracks of time
God's watchful eyes surveys,
Oh ! who so wise to choose our lot,
A Or regulate our ways ?"
He knoweth your frame. He can distinguish be-
tween JOU.Y wants and your wishes. He knows what
will be good for you, forty years hence, if you live so
long. He knows perfectly how you will feel in any
condition in which you can be placed. He knows well
how to refuse you, and when to indulge you.
Are you qualified to choose " to have your own
desire"? "The way of man is not in himself. It is
not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Al-
phonso, king of Spain, was addicted to the study of
astronomy, when that sublime science was less known
than at present ; and having, in his ignorance, observed,
as he thought, some irregularities in the heavenly
bodies, he said, "If I had been by the side of the
Maker when he put these in motion, I could have
given him some good advice." Now you shudder at
such an expression, but have you not done this with
regard to the providence of (rod ? Have you not often
thought that you could "direct the Lord," and " be
liis counsellor"? Everything unfits us to choose our
OF THE REV WILLIAM JAY. 257
inherit!, 13 j for oar-salver We are too ignorant to
choose for ourselves. We n .:. j choose that which may
issue in our mischief and misery. We see only a
small portion of the whole but a few parts only ; nor
do we see their connection with others ; nor do we see
their final results. We know what we feel in our pres-
ent situations and conditions ; but we cannot know
how we should feel in new and untried ones. Observe
the case of Hazael, when the man of God wept, and
Hazael said, " Why weepest thou, my lord? And he
answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do
unto the children of Israel, their strongholds shalt
thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay
with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip
up their women with child." What, said he, am I a
dog that I should do this ? He was then sincere in
his detestation. But said the prophet, the Lord hath
showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria. So he
came to the throne put off humanity put on tyran-
ny, and became all that the prophet predicted. And
though he had said, "Is thy servant a dog that he
should do this great thing?" Yet, as an old writer ob-
serves, " The dog DID do it."
Then we are too sensual to choose our inheritance
for ourselves. We may desire dainty meat, when per-
haps we need medicine. We are anxious to gather
fruit while it is green, whereas it must be most nutri-
tious when it comes to maturity. So Lot desired the
plains of Sodom because he saw they were well water-
ed and fertile ; but little did he reflect upon the neigh-
bors and the intercourse he might have there. He
therefore had soon occasion to lament his choice ; and
"his righteous soul was vexed from day to day with
258 THE LITERARY REMAIN'S
the filthv conversation of the wicked :" then he was
U '
burnt out of house and home; then his wife became a
pillar of salt, and his character became tarnished and
disgraced and all this from his choosing his own in-
heritance.
Then WQ should be too impatient to choose it. We
should prefer what is near to what is remote, what is
present to that which is future. We should be dis-
posed to reap as soon as we have sown, not reflecting
that the months of winter must come between the
seed-time and the harvest; and there must be long
patience until we have the early and latter rain. Then,
Thirdly. .Let us remember that He lias chosen al-
ready for us: why, then, should we abandon Him now,
that He has chosen for us well, and that He has proved
himse]f worthy of our confidence? And seeing we
are incapable of judging for ourselves, why do we not
now approve of His designs ? Do we not now see
wisdom in what once appeared irregular and confused ?
Do we not now see kindness in what once appeared to
be severe ? " O generation, saith the Lord, have I
been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness?"
" my people, what have I done unto thee, and
wherein have I wearied thee ? testify against me ! "
Have I taken advantage of thy dependance to injure
thee ? Have I not made all things work together for
good? But if I have done this, why do you decline
me as to jour future confidence? What narrow escapes
have some of you had ! When questioning your in-
ability to judge for yourselves, had I allowed you for
awhile to steer your little bark across the ocean of
time, you would soon have stranded or struck against
a rock if I had not interposed on your behalf.
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 259
Fourthly. God is willing to choose for you still. Yes,
this is wonderful, but it is true. If you bad been
placed under the direction of any creature, even of any
angel, he would have long ago abandoned you. ; but
God has borne with your manners and with your faith-
lessness in the wilderness. He hath said, " I am the
Lord I change not ; therefore ye sons of Jacob are
not consumed." This leaves you without excuse.
You might otherwise have said, " God hath forsaken
me, and I must manage as well as I can for myself."
But this is not the case. But God is ready still to hear
your prayer. You may, therefore, cry unto Him, "
Lord, I am oppressed ; undertake for me." Place
your reliance upon Him, and he will lead you and
guide you in the way you should go. Repose a child-
like trust and confidence in Him.
Then, finally, and to close the argument, You will
never feel peace and comfort till you feel assured that
all is under the guidance and direction of your Heav-
enly Father that he has undertaken the charge of all,
in answer to your resolution, " The Lord shall chose
my inheritance for me." The only way in which you
can obtain your desires is, always to commit them to
God. He will guide you by his counsel. The only
way to happiness in a world like this, so full of
changes, is, to trust in Him to " trust in the Lord for-
ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."
Therefore He hath said, " Thou wilt keep him in per-
fect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he
trusteth in Thee." Solomon has this fine passage,
" Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts
shall be established." And do you commit your
thoughts unto the Lord ? Our thoughts create anxie-
260 THE LITERARY REMAINS
ties, they produce trenmlousness and vexations of
mind, according to Solomon. And what is to "be done
in the multitude of our thoughts arising from our vari-
ous concerns? What can calm them? Why, confi-
dence in Grod. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and
thy thoughts that may arise from them, however they
may be multiplied, shall be established.
The heathens acknowledged that care was a cross
and a malady, and they prescribed for the malady;
but all their prescriptions proved ineffectual in remov-
ing the complaint. But the apostle prescribes an effect-
ual remedy, in his Epistle to the Philippians, where
he says, "Be careful for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known unto God." And,
Christians, what a load of care would be removed,
what relief, what serenity would you feel, were yon
able to realize this ! But let us hasten to consider
once more.
FOURTHLY, IN WHAT THIS SENTIMENT is TO BE IM-
PROVED ? And, my brethren, we may improve it in
a way of concession. We acknowledge this cause is
difficult. It implies the mortification of pride and
vanity' 'the sacrifice of self- will, of self-conceit, and
self-sufficienc} 7 ' it. implies a willingness to be deprived
of our possessions to have our inclinations crossed,
and our fond hopes destroyed. And you may feel as-
sured of this, that the man is a stranger to the thing
who is a stranger to such an attainment. No, it is the
consequence of hard striving, of much observance of
the misery of others, of much of the experience of
those evils tc which we have found ourselves exposed,
when, instead of trusting in the Lord with all our
OF THE EEV. WII LIAM JAY. 261
heart, we have leaned to oar own understanding.
And, after all, there are some remains of this wretch-
ed leaven still left in the believer in our Lord Jesus.
But they are hallowed, heavenly hours in which the
Christian, with a holy heroism, can relinquish all, and
say, falling upon his knees, "The Lord, He shall choose
my inheritance for me."
Then we may improve it by remarking, that it is so
rare. "We cannot look for this state of mind except
among Christians. The generality of mankind are
" living without God, and without hope in the world ;"
and, though surrounded by so many proofs of his
goodness, God is not in all their thoughts. They
don't wish to be considered as atheists, and would per-
haps be offended if we did not consider them as pos-
sessors of Christianity. But what are they ? Practi-
cal atheists. They have no abiding impression of
God upon their minds they don't refer to his glory
in their pursuits they use no means to ascertain his
will, nor endeavor to secure his approbation.
We may improve it in a way of inquiry. Is the
text your language? And is it the expression of the
heart ? for while man looketh on the outward appear-
ance, the Lord looketh at the heart. There is much
that is speculative in many professors of religion. But
it would be absurd to suppose that such a sentiment
was sincere and not operative. Surely the creed will
guide the conduct ; and we judge of the reality of
your possessing godliness by the influence it will have
upon you. ' You will not be urging after what God
lias denied, or quarrelling with him for what he has
bestowed ; but you would rather say with David,
" Surely I have behaved and quieted myself as a child
262 THE LITERARY REMAINS
that is weaned of his mother ; my soul is as a weaned
Let us also improve it in a way of admonition. Now
have any of you an important movement in view ?
Learn to wait much upon God, seeking his direction.
Move not but as you see the pillar of cloud or pillar
of fire move, unless you would have God left behind
you. There may be some difficulty ; but in such cases
never engage in anything without a conviction of its
being right ; if conscious of this, God will spare you,
and peace shall be with you ; but otherwise, what can
be your peace ?
You must wait^/br God, you see, as well as wait upon
God. There are some, James tells us, who will be
rich, whether God will have it so or not they will :
but says the Apostle Paul, " They that will be rich, .
fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in perdition and
destruction." Alas ! how much we see of this ! And
hear again the language of James : " Go to now, ye
that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a
city, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and
get gain ; whereas ye know not what shall be on the
morrow. For what is your life ? It is even a vapor
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we
shall live, and do this or that." Now, here we have
an unsanctined tradesman. He carries on business to
great advantage : he seems to have no desire to-monop-
olize, or to run down others : his aim seems to be to
use it only in a lawful way of business. What, now,
is there in this at all reprehensible? seeing it is the hand
of the diligent that maketh rich, and if any provide
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 263
not for his own, and especially for those of his own.
house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel. Bnt, perhaps you say he is avaricious he is
ambitious and that it is not a substance he wants,
but an abundance not a competency, but splendor,
and to be carried away by the pride of life. But,
however this may be, God is not present to his mind.
He never prayed before his undertaking. He never
sought Divine direction, or said, " He shall choose my
inheritance for me." He has been regardless of Him
upon whom everything depends. He never said, "If
the Lord will I shall live to do this or that." But he
is to succeed ; he is to live another year, regardless of
vicissitudes and accidents, and he is to gain, notwith-
standing faithless servants and heartless friends, and
all those changes to which mortals are exposed while
here.
Then it is the only way of usefulness. The Chris-
tian being blessed, becomes a blessing to others.
It is also the only waj oihappiness. God has given the
dearest and highest enjoyment here in the place of our
pilgrimage. The source of our highest happiness and
dearest blessedness consists in our triumphs over sin,
over self, and iisefulness to others.
All without, and all about me, tells me I am a sinner.
The Bible tells me what I must do to be saved. I
must repent of sin, and believe in the name of the
only -begotten Son of God.
O my hearers, may this not be a lost opportunity,
or the means of your greater condemnation. Eemern-
ber that " now is the accepted time, now is the day of
salvation."
In conclusion Though I wish it not to be exclu-
264 THE LITERARY REMAIN'S
sively regarded as an address to the young, yet I wish
to impress these words, and press the sentiment upon
you, my dear young friends. Your knowledge is
small. You are destitute of that kind of information,
the most valuable, derived from experience. Your
feelings are easily and powerfully wrought upon.
How much importance attaches to your conduct in the
futurities of life, and upon any step you may take !
A wrong step may produce a thousand bitter re-
morses, and cause repentance to be quartered upon
you for life. Where is your safety ? I tremble for
you when I see you entering upon, and having to pass
through, such a world as this. Where, I ask again,
is your safety ? Will you not from this time cry unto
God, " My Father, thou shalt be the guide of my
youth" ? It is a mercy that some of you have wise
and good parents to counsel and direct you. These,
however, are not a substitute for God but God can
be a substitute for them to you, if you should be de-
prived of them ; and if father and mother should be
called to forsake you, the Lord will take you up. O
that you may see the importance, and be influenced to
make a surrender of yourselves to Him ! And you
know who hath said, " I love them that love me, and
those that seek me early shall find me."
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 265
SERMON II.
"I \vill bring the blind by a way that they knew not ; I will lead
them in paths that they have not known ; I will make dark-
ness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things
will I do unto them, and not forsake them." ISAIAH, xlii. 16.
THE sky is not more beautifully spangled with stars
than the Bible is filled with promises. It is to remind
us. of the greatness of these assurances, that the Apostle
Peter tells us there are given " exceeding great and
precious promises ;" but this would only have prepar-
ed the way for disappointment, by raising our expect-
ations high, unless they could be absolutely depended
upon ; and, therefore, the Apostle Paul says, " all the
promises of Grod are yea and amen in Christ Jesus."
Now, thus recommended, you cannot be too well ac-
quainted with them ; you cannot too frequently review
them ; nothing can be more pleasing, nothing more
profitable, than to place them opposite all your exi-
gencies ; to seek from them relief for all that is trying
in creatures around you ; and to compare them with
their accomplishment in others and in ourselves. " I
will bring the blind by a way that they knew not ; I
will lead them in paths that they have not known ; I
will make darkness light before them, and crooked
things straight. These things will I do unto them, and
not forsake them."
These words have been completely accomplished in
those who have reached Immanuel's land, and in
whose number \ve now reckon so many of our own be-
loved friends and relations who are waiting to receive
us into everlasting habitations. 1 say they are com-
12
266 THE LITERARY REMAINS
pletely accomplished in them. As soon as ever they
had taken possession of the inheritance of the saints
in light, some Joshua said to them, "Ye know in all
your hearts that not one thing has failed of all the
good things which the Lord your God spake concerning
you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing
hath failed thereof." But, Christians, }^ou are not yet
come to the rest of the Lord, but you are journeying
towards it; so far He has been your helper, and be-
cause He has been your helper it becomes you to say,
with David, "Therefore under the shadow of thy
wings will I put rny trust." And to aid you a little in
your gratitude in the reflection of the past, and in your
confidence in prospect of the future, let us in this brief
and familiar exercise examine God's engagements, and
see the advantages we are to derive from them.
First. As A LEADER.
Secondly. As AIST INTERPRETER.
Thirdly. As A NEVER-FAILING FRIEND.
My brethren, it is our mercy that though we cannot
know Grod perfectly we can know Him. savingly :
though we know not what He is in himself, we see what
He is to us. He is held forth in His Word as our Lead-
er. "I will bring the blind by a way that they know
not; I will lead them in paths that they have not
known." What could we do without such a guide ?
What would be the condition of man without God
with him in the world ? He is a wanderer on the dark
mountains, exposed to every destroyer, and by a miser-
able time working out a more miserable eternity. You
may go to hell without God, but you will never go to
heaven but under His conduct ; and yet men naturally
are not sensible- of their need of such a guide. There
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 267
is nothing men are so proud of as their knowledge ;
they would generally rather be considered knaves than
fools ; of everything that pertains to them they are
pleased with nothing but their understandings ; they
have not enough of anything else, but here they are
completely satisfied ; in any kind of contention or
reasoning you will always find them preferring their
own modicum of sense to that of others, and this, too,
just in proportion to their ignorance, and deficiency,
and want of judgment; and so vain man would be
wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt. " "We
go astray from the womb," says David. "We are " alien-
ated from Grod by wicked works," says Paul. li
ever you have sincerely reflected on your condition ;
if ever you have been in earnest to reach eternal glory ;
it ever you have been duly sensible of your own guilt
and weakness, and the difficulties and dangers of the
] ;assage, this has been from that hour your prayer,
"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me. Teach me to
do thy will, for thou art my Grod." And does He dis-
regard such a prayer? He always pays attention to it ;
He takes us under his guidance; and every believer
may therefore say, with David, " He restoreth my soul ;
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake." And hence the church exults and ex-
claims, " This Grod is our Grod forever and ever; He
will be our guide, even unto death." Well may we
rejoice, if we are under the care of such a Being in
our way to heaven ; one so almighty to defend us, so
condescending to converse with us, so kind to indulge
us, so patient to bear with us, and so wise to choose
our inheritance for us. But the persons whom He
thus leads are called blind. How is this ? Are they
268 THE LITERARY REMAINS
not in Scripture always represented as children of the
clay? Does not the apostle say to them, "Ye were
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord '' ? In the
9th of John you read that the Pharisees said unto the
blind man ; he was not blind then, but he had been
blind, and they called him by the old name. So it is
here. They are called from what they once were ; and
what they are indeed now partially. Let us, therefore,
now see for a few moments how, and where, He leads
them. " I will lead them in paths they have not
known." This is true.
1. In their spiritual concerns. "What, Christian, did
you formerly know of things you now see the beauty
and feel the importance of ? What did you once know
of conviction of sin ? You now see its evil and guilt
as well as its danger ; you see its pollution, and how it
excludes you righteously from the presence of a holy
Grod ; you now not only fear it, but you hate it ; and
you now not only leave it, but you loathe it. "What
did you once know of faith in Christ ? ISTow you claim
him as your foundation and your refuge ; now you re-
joice in him with joy unspeakable, and full of glory.
But did you go this way heretofore ? What did you
then know of a throne of grace ? You heard of prayer
you said yours, perhaps, very regularly ; or, if not,
when any danger or distress excited you : but now
you hunger and thirst after righteousness ; now you
come unto Grod by Him ; now you have boldness and
access with confidence, by the faith of Him ; now you
can say, " It is good for me to draw near unto Grod."
But did you go this way heretofore? No. He hath
brought the blind by a way that they knew not. If
now you are Christians, you were not born such ; you
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 269
were made such. He has made you to differ, and the
difference arises from His having called you " out of
darkness into his maivellous light;" the conver-
sion, which you have been made the subject of, is,
therefore, in Scripture, said to be your " walking in
newness of life ;" observe this, in newness of life.
There is always a leaning in people to antiquity, and
there is some reason for it ; it is not a mere prejudice ;
and the reason is this, because truth was before error ;
for error is the perversion of truth, and a thing must
exist before it can be perverted or abused. Now peo-
ple know this; and, therefore, when the "truth as it
is in Jesus" comes into a neighborhood, the common
language is, that it is a novel thing. But nothing can
be more false than this accusation. The Grospel was
preached to the Jews The Grospel was preached to
Abraham 430 years before the giving of the law yea,
the Gospel was preached in Paradise to Adam and
Eve in the first promise. What do we say ? An in-
fidel has entitled a book " Christianity as old as the
Creation," and we accept the charge in one view. As
old as the Creation ! It is much older. " We hope,"
says the apostle, " in eternal life, which Grod, that can-
not lie, promised before the world began." But though
the charge of novelty be false in this respect, it is true
in another. There is a newness in these things as to
their perception. Though you have heard of them
read of them- before, yet, when you are called by
grace, you have other views of them, and other feel-
ings than before: you seem to have entered a new
world. Thus would it be if some of you went to
Italy ; it would not be a new country, but it would be
new to you. If a man were born blind, and restored
270 THE LITERARY REMAINS
to sight, why, lie would not see a new sun, but it
would be new to him ; and thus it is that the Lord
leads us in paths that we have not known.
It is equally true with regard to Christians,
2. In their temporal concerns for here, what do you
know as to future scenes ? what with regard to nations,
families, individuals ? what with regard to yourselves ?
Why, you know not what a day may bring forth.
And when you look back on life, all that is very im-
portant in it you had not once been led to expect;
the places in which you have resided, your friendships,
your employments, your enterprises, your disappoint-
ments, your successes, all these would formerly, had
they been presented to you, have appeared strange ;
and, had they been foretold, would have led you to
say, with the unbelieving nobleman, " If the Lord
should make windows in heaven, might such things
be !" Now this is peculiarly the case with regard to
some men. In their lives there has been such an op-
position between obscurity and splendor, that there
seems to be between them a gulf which could not have
been passed ; but it has been passed under the lead-
ings of Him. " who is wonderful in counsel and excel-
lent in working."
When the Jews returned from Babylon, and, instead
of being peeled and stripped, were even enriched ;
" when," said they, " the Lord turned our captivity,
we were like them that dreamed." When the Jews
were in the wilderness, they never knew where they
should fix their next station; and this was not often a
straightforward motion, but, as Moses remarks, "he
led them about? and yet the psalmist makes this re-
mark upon it, " he led them by a right way." So
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 271
Abraham went forth, not knowing whither he went,
but he knew with whom ; and as Job said, " Behold
I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but
I cannot perceive Him ; but He knoweth the way that
I take."
Having viewed God as oiir leader, let us
Secondly. See Him as our Interpreter. The knowl-
edge he imparts to his people is always gradual, like
the dawn that shineth more and more unto the perfect
day. " I will make darkness light before them, and
crooked things straight." Let us see how this may be
exemplified in five cases or instances.
"He makes darkness light, and crooked things
straight."
1. As to Doctrine.' It is not for us to determine with
how much ignorance in the mind, and error in judg-
ment, grace may be associated in the heart ; but we
read in the Gospel of a blind man, on whose eyes our
Saviour put his fingers, and said to him, Look, and he
looked up, and said, "I see men as trees walking."
But he was under the operation of Christ ; and when
He put his hand a second time to the work, and said,
Look up, he said, " Now I see all things clearly." So
it is here, it is precisely the case with persons ; for
some have very defective, obscure views of some of
the leading truths of the Gospel ; I mean, compared
with what others possess, and what they themselves
will possess afterwards. I seldom, indeed, like per-
sons who all at once become so very clear and high ;
they remind me of those poor ricketty children, whose
heads grow larger than their bodies ; it is not the ef-
fect of strength, but of disease and weakness. I never
think it well to see speculation going before expe-
272 THE LITERARY REMAIN'S
rience. All Grod's works are progressive. We see
first the blade then the ear after that the full corn
in the ear. Our Saviour said to his own disciples, " I
have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear
them now." When will ministers, when will Chris-
tians, learn to follow His example ? when will they
be able to exercise patience towards the imperfect?
You sometimes seem not only mortified, but even of-
fended, because persons do not learn in a few weeks
or mouths what Grod has been teaching you twenty or
thirty years, and which you know but very imper-
fectly now. If the heart be broken (which is what I
look for) if the heart be broken for sin and from it ;
and if a man be brought on his knees, and humbly
prays that Grod would lead him into all truth ; if) as the
apostle says, as far as he has attained he walks by the
same rule and minds the same thing, then, from him,
1 am authorized to conclude, "that if in anything else
he be otherwise minded, Grod will reveal it unto him ;"
and though in such persons the work is often slow, I
have often observed it is very sure ; I have never
found any of these persons carried away with the fol-
lies of the day ; they have believed, and had the wit-
ness in themselves.
He makes darkness light before them, and crooked
things straight.
2. As to Experience. There are many things here
which are often very perplexing to Christians ; and
nothing more than the temptations with which, they
are assailed. Perhaps there are persons here this
morning who are ready to say, " Ah, no one knows
so much of temptations as I do; they are the death of
my comforts, and I often say, will prove the destruc-
OF THE KEY. WILLIAM JAY. 273
tion of my soul at last." But as they go on, they are
called to see and to understand, that while the strong
man armed kept his palace, his goods were in peace ;
that Pharaoh pursued after the children of Israel be-
fore they had left his realms ; that our Saviour was in
all points tempted like as we are ; and that the man
who is a stranger to Christian conflict has no reason in
the world to believe that he is a partaker of the Di-
vine life ; for every Christian tells us the flesh lusteth
against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh.
Again : with regard to prayer, which is another source
often of perplexity. The man reads in Scripture that
God hears prayer, and, says he, "I have prayed, and
he shutteth out my prayer." But, bj'-and-bye, he is
enabled to distinguish -between hearing and answering
prayer ; and to learn that the prayer of faith is im-
mediately heard, but not immediately answered : that
when God designs good to his people, He waits to be
gracious : you would pluck the fruit while it is green,
but He draws back your hand. It is the same with re-
gard to the manner in which He answers prayer often.
By strange, and sometimes even terrible things, in
righteousness, does He answer His people, as the God
of their salvation. Some of you are acquainted with
the excellent language of Mr. Newton in his hymn :
" I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace ;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.
'Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, 1 trust, has answer' d prayer ;
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drave me to despair
J2*
274 THE LITERARY REMAINS
I hoped that, in some favor'd hour,
At once He 'd answer my request,
And, by his love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins, and give ma rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart,
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea, more, with his own hand He seem'd
Intent to aggravate my woe ;
Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd,
Blasted my gourds, and laid them low.
" Lord, why is this ?" I trembling cried,
" Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death ?"
" 'Tis in this way," the Lord replied,
" I answer prayer for grace and faith :
" These inward trials I employ,
From Keif and pride to set theefree,
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may'st seek thy all in Me."
So it is again with regard to joy. The man reads
that religion is every way friendly to joy that they
return and come to Zion with songs, and with ever-
lasting joy upon their heads ; but, says he, I know so
little of this that I am afraid I have no part nor lot in
the matter ; but he, bj^-and-bye, learns that saints are
described in the Scriptures by their tears, as well as
by their joys " they shall come with weeping and
with supplication." He mixes with Christians more
advanced, and he learns^ from them that they are the
subjects of the same alternations ; and thus what prov-
ed a stumbling-block before becomes a way-mark to
teach him that he is in the way everlasting. I remem-
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 276
ber Milner, in his last illness, said, " If some
years ago I had been as destitute of comfort as I now
am, it would have exceedingly perplexed me ; but I
have long learned that it is one important act of faith
to hang on the bare word of God, and to trust in a God
that hideth himself." This leads us to another article;
and,
THIRDLY, WITH REGARD TO ASSURANCE, "He makes
darkness light before them, and crooked things straight."
Oh, say some, to know my interest in the everlasting
covenant ! Oh 5 then I would face a frowning world !
Oh, then I would defy the king of terrors ; but all is ob-
scurity with me. 'Tis a point I long to know, but at
present all I can attain is a kind of peradventure
perhaps I am right ; but when trouble comes upon me
when the shadows of the evening are hastening on
to have no more certainty than this, what am I to
do ? Do as you are doing. " "Wait on the Lord, and
keep his way. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart ; wait, I say, on
the Lord." " Them, that honor me," says He, " I will
honor." Keep at His feet, therefore, till you feel He
has taken you into his bosom. Continue crying,
" God be merciful to me a sinner," till you are able to
say with Thomas, " My Lord and my God !" He will
"make darkness light before you, and crooked things
straight."
As to practical duty.- With regard to changes in your
condition in life, the removal of your habitation, a
transition from one business to another, or anything of
this nature, you are at a loss to know what the will of
God is: this genders in you many anxieties to -which
others are strangers ; but you read that if you walk
276 THE LITEKAKY BEMAINS
contrary to God, He will walk contrary to you ; how
much, depends on one wrong step ; consequences may
arise from it that Anil give a complexion to all your
future clays, and quarter repentance upon you for life.
Now here you are not to expect miracles, but you are to
make use of sense and reason, and Scripture, and the
advice of friends. You are to wait for Grod and you
are to wait upon Grod. You are to remember the com-
mand, " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and
lean not unto thine own understanding." " In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
" He will make darkness light before you, and crook-
ed things straight."
5. In the dispensations of his providence. Where is
the Christian but has sometimes had reason to ex-
claim, "Hiswaj^is in the sea, and his paths in the
deep waters; "and where is the Christian but after a
while has seen that He can turn the shadow of death
into the morning? I see, says the Christian, why such
a prop was taken away. I was beginning to lean upon
it. I can see now why I was exercised with such a
sorrow ; it was to soften my heart, and to enable me to
sympathize with others in distress ; that sickness of the
body was to heal the disease of the mind. So Job,
although severely tried, saw before his death that the
end of the Lord was very pitiful and of tender mercy.
So David could say also, "It is good for me that I
have been afflicted ; for before I was afflicted I went
astray, but now I have kept thy word; "that is, I was
ill, and he bled me, and I recovered. He drew the
ploughshare all along, but it was to break up the fair
low ground, and to prepare for the reception of the
seed. Take heed, therefore, that you do not drawhastv
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 277
conclusions from present aspects of providence. Take
heed that you- do not say, "All these things are
against ine;"but say with Paul, "I know that all
things shall work together for my good." Follow the
admonition of Isaiah, " Who is among you that feareth.
the Lord that walketh in darkness, and hath no light,
let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon
his God." ISTow observe. If you were to travel with a
guide when you came to a very dismal place, you would
not only follow, but you would lay hold of, your con-
ductor, and lean ; and so says Isaiah, " Let him stay
upon his Grod, and he will fulfil his word. T will
bring the blind by a way that they know not ; I will
lead them in paths that they have not known. I will
make darkness light before them, and crooked things
straight." Then observe,
Thirdly. He is their never-failing PEIEND/ "These
things will I do unto them, and will not forsake them."
It will readily be allowed that they deserve to be for-
saken, and they may say with the Church of old, " It
is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed."
And they also suppose frequently that they are for-
saken so did Zion. "Zion said, The Lord hath for-
saken, and my Grod hath forgotten me." But it was
not so. " Can a woman forget her sucking child, that
she should not have compassion on the son of her
womb; yea, they may forget, yet will not I forget
thee." Asaph drew the same conclusion, and it was
equally ill founded. " "Will the Lord cast off for ever,
and will he be favorable no more ?" But how often
do your ministers dwell on Divine desertion? "We
must, therefore, show how there may be a forsaking
quite consistent with the truth of our te> : " These
278 THE LITERARY REMAINS
tilings will I do unto them, and not forsake them."
There are three ways in which God maybe said to for-
sake his people :
1. As to outward comfort and tondition. He may re-
duce them much ; he may deprive them of their con-
nexions and possessions. Remember what he said to
the Jews : "I will go" observe he said, " I will go and
return unto my place until they seek my face ; in their
affliction they will seek me early." We see what is in-
tended by His going away and returning ; it was leav-
ing them to their embarrassments, and perplexities, and
troubles, till He came to deliver them ; but this is com-
patible with the real presence of God too : every con-
dition is supportable while He is with us ; and, with
regard to trouble, if He leaves his people in anything
else, He cannot leave them in trouble, for He has made
a particular engagement there, " I will be with them
in trouble." He may forsake His people,
2. As to feeling spiritual comfort ; but while they
have no sensible consolation, yet there is grace, and
grace operating frequently with peculiar power in pro-
ducing contentment of soul and humiliation before
God. How was it with Cooper the martyr ? He felt
no consolation till he came to the stake, and then he
exclaimed, " Wow He is come, now He is come ! " But
He must have been with him before, (though now He
came in a way of manifestation.) or he never would
have come to the stake. What grace there must have
been in Job to enable him to say, " Though he slay
me, yet will I trust in him!" David says, " My soul
folio weth hard after thee; thy right hand upholdeth
me." There seems a confusion of images. Here
David is fallowing hard after God, and yet God is up-
OF THE EEV. WILLIAM JAY. 279
holding him at the same time. He was seeking (rod
in one view, while Grocl was supporting and sustaining
him in another. He was seeking for consolation while
he felt Divine support. Then,
3. As to grace itself He may forsake His people
not as to habit, but as to degree, not as to existence,
but as to exercise. The best way for ministers to
teach, is to teach by facts, and history, and example.
Eemember the history of Hezekiah howbeit in the
affair of the ambassador Grod left him to try what was
in his heart. ""Weak as we are," says Newton, " we
shall not faint." He may therefore leave you in three
ways : First, As to your outward condition : Second-
ly, As to sensible spiritual comfort : Thirdly, As to
the degree and exercise of faith. But further than
this we cannot go, unless we go without the Scrip-
ture. He never can forsake His people wholly ; cast
down but not destroyed. "Though ye fall," says
David, " ye shall not be utterly cast down." He can-
not forsake His people finally. Here 's His own en-
gagement, " This is as the waters of Noah unto me ;
for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no
more go over the earth ; so have I sworn that I would
not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the
mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but
my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall
the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord,
that hath mercy on thee."
You know I have not time to argue this any fur-
ther ; otherwise ho\v many passages of Scripture there
are that would furnish us with materials enough.
" He will not forsake his people, because it hath
pleased him to make them his people." " Being
280 THE LITERARY REMAINS
confident of this very thing, that he which hath be-
gun a good work in yon will perform it unto the day
of Jesus Christ." His people, therefore, may say with-
out presumption, "I am persuaded that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus
Christ our Lord."
It is a delightful spectacle that has been presented
before us. It is always pleasing to see God at work ;
how pleasing and delightful to see His agency in the
world of nature ; how I love to stand on a hill and
look down on the valley beneath, or to stand by the
side of a brook, or to pass through a field of standing
corn, and to see how He has prepared of His goodness
for the poor.
I love to see His agency in providence, especially
in a time of such trouble and disaffection as ours, and
to remember that He is a God among the nations.
But oh, to contemplate His agency in grace ; to see
God going and taking possession of a sinner for Him-
self; and forever to see Him detach him from his sins,
and from the spirit of the world, saying to him, " Fol-
low me ;" to see Him taking the sinner in all the ruins
of the fall, and making him an eternal excellency, the
joy of many generations, and bringing him in triumph
to endless glory ! And oh, how often has He done it.
" We speak that we do know, and testify that we have
seen." I hail you, therefore, Christians, but I cannot
pity you. I pity the poor, and I wish it were in my
power to relieve them. I pity the wealthy who are
destitute of heavenly riches. I pity the scholar who
understands not a word of the language of Canaan.
OF THE REV. WILLIAM JAY. 28?
I pity the astronomer who is familiar with, stars, and
knows not the way to heaven. Oh, these are all piti-
able characters; pity them my brethren pray for
them ; but as for you who are partakers of His grace,
and are under His own guidance, I '11 never pity you ;
whatever be your condition, however poor, however
despised, you are not pitiable ; you are enviable, and
the only enviable characters in this world ; and there-
fore we kneel in view of you and pray, Oh, remem-
ber me with the favor Thou bearest to thy people.
And surely this should be an excitement and encour-
agement to you to seek for an interest in the same
blessedness. "Therefore," says David, "they that
know thy name will put their trust in thee." And
you should apply this, Christians, as a remedy. You
should take it as Paul did, and apply it as a cure for
two things covetousness and carefulness. Let your
conversation be without covetousness. Be careful for
nothing.
May you, therefore, take this promise with you from
the house of Grod ; and carry it along with you in all
your succeeding journey. Make use of it as Solomon
recommends, " Tie it about thy neck write it upon
the table of thine heart."
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS
REV. WILLIAM JAY,
AS A PREACHER, AND AS AN AUTHOR,
BY
THE EDITORS
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS, &c.
HITHERTO in tlaese volumes the reader's attention
has been mainly directed to Mr. Jay's own account of
himself his history, his progress, his recollections.
The Editors have felt that their services to his mem-
ory ought to be chiefly regulated by the documents
placed in their hands, and limited to such passing an-
notations, or supplemental matter, as seemed to be re-
quired for conveying a just view of their subject, and
a complete narrative of his history.
But judging that so interesting and remarkable a
character well deserves a separate sketch from another
hand beside his own, and supposing that the reader
will expect something of this sort, as a conclusion to
the volumes, which in the main may be said to be
his own representation of himself; the Editors have
ventured to subjoin the following observations, on the
two principal views of his public character for which
he was admired by his contemporaries, and will be re-
spected by future ages.
ME. JAY AS THE PEEACHEE.
A PREACHEE who, from his first appearance in the
pulpit, at the age of sixteen, till he retired from it
286 CONCLUDING OBSERVATION'S.
when eighty-four years old, fixed and held the atten-
tion of the public ; who, during this lengthened peri-
od, was heard with equal interest by the aged and the
young, the learned and the illiterate, who always
crowded, whenever he presented himself, to listen to
his teaching ; who was eulogized by such men as Wil-
berforoe, Beckford, and Sir William Knighton ; by
Hall, Chalmers, and Foster ; who, Avhether he preach-
ed in the city or in the village, drew after him his
ministerial brethren, both of his own church and most
others ; who was esteemed and admired by all denom-
inations of professing Christians ; and who, when his
sermons were sent forth from the press, raised for him-
self, in both hemispheres, a reputation such as few of
his own day, or any other, ever obtained, must have
possessed elements of power, after which it is worth
while to inquire, not only for the purpose of gratify-
ing curiosity, but to prompt and guide the spirit of
lawful emulation. Such a preacher was Mr. Jay ; and
it is the object of this Sketch to show in what his at-
tractions principally consisted, and to what he owed
his extensive and permanent popularity.
It may be stated, as a preliminary remark, that the
arrangements of Providence, as regarcls his personal
appearance, his physical endowments both of body
and mind, the circumstances of his conversion, the
peculiar nature of his professional education, as well
as the state of the Christian Church when he first ap-
peared in public, were all preparatory to his future
eminence as a preacher of the Grospel. This, with a
kind of instinctive sagacity, he perceived ; and, from
the commencement of his Christian career, fixed his
eye exclusively upon the pulpit, and cherished a hal
CONCLUDING OBSEEVATIONS. 287
lowed desire to excel as a minister of Jesus Christ.
He clearly saw that, if he would do one great thing
well, he must concentrate his powers upon that, and
make everything else give place, or become subserv-
ient to it. He had from the beginning an almost in-
tuitive perception of what constituted pulpit excel-
lence ; he studied the attractions and defects of other
preachers felt the promptings of a holy ambition
after eminence and usefulness ; and with that con-
sciousness of power which usually attends genius, and
inspires it with the foresight of success, he determined,
by Grod's grace, to attain to distinction as a preacher.
This, however, was not the mere yearning of youthful
vanity, but the prompting of a heart throbbing with
solicitude for the salvation of souls. True it is, that
his attention was first of all directed to this subject by
Mr. Winter. This excellent man discerned at once
what a bud of ministerial promise there was in that
mason-lad whom he saw among his hearers, and who
afterwards came in his apron to converse with him on
the subject of religion and of the ministry. But the
boy Jay embraced with his whole heart the sublime
object, as soon as it was presented to him, and conse-
crated himself to it from the moment that it arose in
its full-orbed glory upon his mental horizon.
His academic curriculum was of too short duration,
and too limited in its literary advantages, and too
often interrupted by preaching, to allow much hope
of his ever being a scholar, a metaphysician, or a phi-
losopher. But preaching of a very high order he was
assured could be attained without these things. And
he was right. As a general principle, learning is of
essential importance to the ministers of religion ; and,
288 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
other tilings being equal, he will make the best preach-
er who is most thoroughly educated. JSTor should our
young ministers suffer themselves too hastily to con-
clude, that they can never attain to eminence in litera-
ture ; and be induced to abandon, it under the notion
that, as they have neither taste nor aptitude for it, they
will concentrate all their attention upon preaching.
Still, we contend that it is not indispensable that every
preacher should be an eminent scholar. "Where, as in
the case of Mr. Jay, opportunities for literature are
denied to the eager aspirant after ministerial labor,
and yet there are all the other essential elements of a
good preacher, there let a strong determination be
formed by all possible diligence in the use of such
means as are afforded, to excel in that, holy career, to
which the leadings of Providence invite, and the im-
pulses of a longing heart prompt.
Mr. Jay's whole character, as a public man, may bo
summed up in that one word, THE PREACHER ; and it
is in this view he must be contemplated by all who
would conceive of him aright. True, he was an au-
thor, and one of the most popular writers of his day,
both in America and this country ; yet nearly all his
works consisted of Sermons, or what, as in his "Morn-
ing and Evening Exercises," bore a resemblance to
them. So that he was still a silent preacher, even in
his books. Such a mind as his could, however, doubt-
less, by dint of resolute determination and close appli-
cation, have attained to eminence in any department
of study. He himself tells us that his taste at one
time led him to abstruse speculation ; but that, finding
it engrossed too much of his time, and interfered with
more useful pursuits, he laid it aside, and addicted
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 289
himself to matters which bore more directly upon his
ministerial duties. "We have no doubt, however, that
while conscience had something to do with this, mental
aptitude was not wholly unconcerned. What was
practical was far more congenial with his order of
mind than what was speculative ; and his choice of
the former was as certainly and, perhaps, as much the
result of temperament as of principle.
Mr. Jay as a preacher owed not a little to his per-
sonal appearance, and undoubtedly much to his voice.
In the earlier periods of his history, his countenance
was eminently prepossessing. The portrait affixed to
this work, copied from a painting taken when he
was about forty-nine years of age, and which was con-
sidered a good likeness at the time, proves this. His
black hair, dark eyes, florid complexion, and an ex-
pression of features in which intelligence and benevo-
lence mingled with somewhat of archness, at once at-
tracted and interested his hearers. As he advanced
in years, he became much stouter, which, as he was
never tall, destroyed in some measure the symmetry of
his frame A graphic writer thus describes his ap-
pearance in the decline of life :
" It is not very long since," says Dr. James Hamil-
.011, " we heard him with wonder and delight, and in
our own as well as in millions of memories is still de-
picted that countenance whose sunshine furnished its
own photograph ; so wise and so witty, so wrinkled
vet so radiant ; with so much of youthful ardor welling
up in the fountains of those deeply-fringed, softly -
burning eyes ; and with words so holy and so tender
dropping from those lips in whose corners lurked all
that was quaint or caustic ; whilst like an oak-thicket
13
290 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
on an old rampart-summit, tliat strong visage and firm
brow rose and were lost in the shaggv wilderness
t>(_Ji-'
which covered all with its copsj crown."
Mr. Jay's voice was certainly one of the charms of
his preaching. It was sonorous but not loud alter-
nating between bass and tenor ; strong yet soft ; mu-
sical and flexible ; and more adapted to give express-
ion to what is tender, pathetic, and solemn, than to
what is lively, impetuous, and impulsive. If it did
not stir you as with the blast of a trumpet, it soothed
and delighted you, as with the soft tones of a flute.
This indeed was the general character of his preach-
ing, in which the manner was suited to the matter.
You sat in sweet stillness, luxuriating under those
beautiful trains of quiet thinking, and gentle, holy,
and evangelic emotion, uttered in tones so mellifluous,
that you seemed to be listening to music which came
from another world, and which lifted your soul to the
sphere from which it emanated. An involuntary, un-
bidden tear occasionally suffused your eye, and a gen-
tle emotion filled your heart, as some touching pass-
age, in plaintive sounds, swelling like those of an Eo-
lian harp, passed over your spirit and moved it, just
as a summer's breeze ruffles the surface of a lake, with-
out deeply or violently disturbing it.
He entered the pulpit in a grave, collected manner,
apparently absorbed in his mission, and with a step
rather quick, yet solemn, and without hurry, and after
sometimes casting a glance round upon- the audience,
retired into himself, and seemed to be gathering up
his thoughts and energies, to negotiate between God and
man the weighty affairs of judgment and of mercy.
In the preliminary exercises of public worship, read-
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 291
ing the Scriptures, and prayer, Mr. Jay never forgot
that, in one of these, he was enunciating the words of
the Most High ; and in the other, that he was address-
ing himself to Him before whom the seraphim veil
their faces. It has been sometimes thought and said
that very little spiritual, at any rate saving effect, is
produced by the public reading of the Scriptures. Is
not this to be traced up to the careless, unimpressive,
irreverent, and unfeeling manner in which the exer-
cise is performed? The tones, emphasis, and accents
of a good reader, who is neither elaborate, artificial,
nor theatrical in his manner, convey both instruction
and impression, and are a kind of exposition of the
sacred text.
In prayer Mr. Jay was often singularly felicitous in
his expressions, and always devout in his manner;
his devotions were richly scriptural and strictly appro-
priate ; perhaps occasionally a little too quai-nt in ex-
pression, and therefore liable to interfere with perfect
composure and gravity. He was slow and solemn in
bis utterance, and his feelings were so far under con-
trol as never to hurry him into that rapidity and vo-
ciferation which, we regret to say, characterize those
addresses to the Almighty which are made from some
ISTonconforming pulpits. If reform be necessary in the
lituigical services of the Church of England, it is
equally necessary in the extempore ones of some among
the Dissenters. Occasionally there is too much of
preaching in prayer ; too much of theology ; too little
of petition and confession. There is a happy medium
between that elaboration which, by its artificial ness,
represses religious feeling, and that negligence which
disgusts good taste ; between that muttering and trem-
292 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
"bling which betoken slavish dread, and the louu. or
even boisterous manner which indicates want of feel-
ing and displays of unhallowed familiarity. "We do
not wonder that church people of refinement who oc-
casionally attend Dissenting worship, complain of a
want of solemnity and devout feeling in our prayers ;
yet were extempore prayer performed as it should be,
they would retire with a conviction of its superior ap-
propriateness, earnestness, and adaptation to the va-
rious classes of the congregation, and the changeful
experience of the Christian heart.
In the selection of his texts, Mr. Jay was often very
ingenious. His extraordinary acquaintance with his
Bible gave him great advantage in this. His hearers
were often surprised by a passage which was so novel
to them, that they did not know there was such a verse
in the Scriptures. His canon was, that to secure and
hold attention, to produce impression and do good,
the preaching must be something that will " strike and
stick.' 1 ' 1 Perhaps, in carrying out this, he sometimes
erred on the side of quaintness, both in the selection
of texts and in his illustrations. Yet a quaint text,
if one may thus characterize any portion of God's
word, if it contain an important lesson, and if it be
fairly dealt with, and be not "fey an ingenious fancy
tortured upon the rack, to extort from it a meaning
which it would not otherwise acknowledge, tends to
secure attention and enliven the preaching. But this
must not be done too often, or it will lose its effect,
and subject the preacher to the imputation of being a
pulpit-jester.
Mr. Jay's introductions to his sermons were some-
times as striking as his texts. We remember once
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 293
hearing him, when preaching on Pilate's question, put
to Jesus Christ, "What is truth?" commence his
sermon thus: "It is A truth, Pilate, that thou art a
cowardly, guilty wretch, in surrendering Christ to be
crucified when thou wert convinced he was an innocent
man." This ex abnvpfo method of introduction is,
however, a hazardous one, since it is somewhat diffi-
cult to keep up the attention to that altitude which it
has reached by such an exordium. It is like spicing
the first dish at a feast so highly as to render all that
follow in some measure insipid.
The prevailing character of Mr. Jay's sermons, con
sidered as to their matter, was the mixture of evan-
gelical doctrine, experimental feeling, and Christian
practice. His memoirs mention the fact, that on his
first visit to London he had the character of several
ministers described to him ; one as a doctrinal, a second
as a practical, and a third as an experimental preacher.
With the good sense, tact, and discrimination belong-
ing to him, he said to himself, "I will be neither ex-
clusively, but all unitedly." So he was. His evan-
gelism, so far as doctrine was concerned, was never
very prominent, as a thing separate and by itself, in
the form of a dogmatic statement, with proofs from
Scripture and controversial arguments, but was held
in solution in his general course of preaching. To
borrow an illustration from his reminiscence of Mr.
Newton, that good man, in speaking of his Calvinism,
said it was in his whole preaching, as sugar in a cup
of tea, that which sweetened the whole, but which is
not to be taken in the lump.
We think Mr. Jay was a little deficient in not giving
greater room and prominence to the chief truths of
294: CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
salvation in their dogmatic form. He acknowledged
lie was in early life, and it was perhaps also true to
the end of it. When setting out in his ministry, he
saw the errors into which many of the newly-formed
evangelical school in the Church of England ran, in
dwelling too abstractedly and exclusively upon dog-
matic theology, and the bad effect it had in some in-
stances upon their conduct ; and in avoiding this ex-
treme he, perhaps, went over to another. He was in
sentiment decidedly evangelical, and also in his
preaching, but not formally and controversially doe
trinal. It was his evangelism which constituted no
small share of the attraction of his preaching His
confession of faith, if such it may be called, deliver-
ed at his ordination, though drawn up when only
twenty-one years of age, is one of the most beautiful
compends of evangelical truth in the English language.
He was, to a very great extent, an experimental
preacher, but his preaching seemed to touch upon the
experience of those only who were tried by the ordi-
nary cares and sorrows of human life, and to suggest
the usual topies of consolation adapted to such cases,
rather than to analyze those deep workings of the hu-
man heart when struggling with all the powers of dark-
ness, and all the strength of its own corruptions. It
was the widow mourning over tier bereavement, the
mother weeping for her dead child, the man of broken
fortunes, the orphan youth, the perplexed pilgrim, or
the Christian troubled with the common temptations of
our probation, that his preaching was calculated to
help and comfort ; and hence the wide range of his pop-
ularity. Hence, amidst the crowd of his hearers and
admirers, were not so many of those who wanted the
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 295
stronger consolation which a heart bruised and broken
in the spiritual conflict requires. But equally true is
it, that he never administered to inconsistent professors
the ardent spirit of Antinomian comfort, which was
but too common at the commencement of his ministry ;
or to imaginative believers, the cordials of a sentiment-
al comfort, no less common at the close of it. It was,
however, as a practical preacher that Mr. Jay chiefly
excelled ; and here his excellences were transcendent.
No man knew more clearly the obligations of the
Christian life, and no man urged them more earnestly
or more attractively. It was his happy art to make
men feel that wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness,
and that all her paths are peace.
Perhaps there is scarcely a single word which will
more aptly describe Mr. Jay as a preacher than the
term naturalness. This constituted, we are sure, no
small part of the attraction of his manner. His voice,
his tones, his action, were all inartificial, and displayed
the gracefulness of nature. It was not an imitation of
nature on the stage, but nature's self in her own walk
and place of action. He spoke to you as you felt he
should do, without any uncouth awkwardness or cari-
cature which disfigures nature, or any studied affecta-
tions which destroys it. To much action in the pulpit,
in the use of the hands and arms, he was strongly op-
posed, and seldom used any, except an occasional ele-
vation of the hand. Here we think he was somewhat
deficient, for nature prompts in strong emotion to bodily
action. But this was the least part and the lowest
manifestation of his naturalness. He spoke from his
own nature to the nature of others, He was himself
a most inartificial man. All his tastes, his habits, and
296 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
his pursuits proved this. He knew human nature well.
He studied it in himself and in others. He knew
man, how he thinks, and feels, and acts. He drew his
knowledge, not from copies in books, but from the liv-
ing original. Men felt when thej heard him, that they
were listening to a preacher who knew not only books,
and theories, and systems, but humanity, both in its
fallen and in its restored state; in its wants, woes,
diseases, remedies, and varieties ; one who could sym-
pathize with them as well as teach them. When, on
a Sunday morning they came, worn and weary with
the trials, toils, and cares of the six days' labor, and
placed themselves under the sound of his mellifluous
voice, they felt sure of not being tantalized and disap-
pointed with a cold intellectualisrn, or a mere logical
demonstration, or a metaphysical abstraction, or a
wordy nothing, which would have been giving them a
stone when they asked for bread ; or with something
religiously poetic, which would have been offering
them flowers when they wanted meat; but he fed
them with food convenient for them, and satisfied the
cravings of their nature with what satisfied his own.
This quality of his preaching was very strikingly
displayed in the illustrations with which his sermons
abounded. He never suffered the attention of his
hearers to doze over dry abstract disquisitions, or dull,
didactic, and prosaic harangues, but kept it perpetually
awake by appeals to their imagination. His talent for
illustrative allusion was extraordinary. His sermons
were not only by his beautiful fancy illuminated, like
the ancient missals, but illustrated, like modern books,
by descriptive scenes. They contained all the glow-
ing coloring of th A one, with the more correct and
CONCLUDING OBSEEVATIONS. 297
graceful forms of the other. Here his naturalness con-
stantly appeared, and in close resemblance to that of
our Lord, who drew his similes and metaphors from the
works of nature and the relationships of humanity.
The great Teacher's discourses were replete with im-
ages borrowed from the beasts of the field, and the
birds of the air ; from rural sights and rural sounds ;
from the ties of parentage, and the reciprocal obliga-
tion of husband and wife, master and servant. So
were Mr. Jay's. A natural simplicity and beauty,
polished yet artless, pervaded his discourses. There
was comparatively little of the grandeur and sublimity
of the great masters of eloquence, but a constant suc-
cession of chaste, tender, and smiling allusions. His
preaching did not produce the effect of the lofty and
fervid utterances of Eobert Hall, which, with their ele-
gant diction, mighty conceptions, and glowing imagery,
raised you into a fellowship of rapture with the speak-
er's own mind: nor did it bear any resemblance to the
gorgeous language, exuberant fancy, and dazzling
splendors of Chalmers, which overwhelmed you with
such mental opulence. The eloquence of the two lat-
ter fell upon you as music from a full and perfect or-
chestra. It came with the rush of a mountain torrent,
and sounded majestic and awful like thunder booming
over the ocean; but the eloquence of Mr. Jay was as the
gentle and noiseless now of a majestic river, or like the
deep, and solemn, and soothing tones of the organ. In
hearing him you were brought near by a sweet and re-
sistless attraction. You felt you could approach him,
and be at home with him, and were in a state of af-
finity with him ; while a feeling of awe came over you
as yon listened to the others, which at once fascinated
13*
298 CONCLUDING OBbE.il VATIONS.
you, and transported you with delight, and yet made
you almost tremble. It seemed, in listening to Hall and
Chalmers, as if you could no more alwaj^s bear such
mental excitement than you could always endure the
roar of a thunder-storm, or the falls of Niagara ; but
to Mr. Jay you could forever listen, just as you never
feel burdened by the waves of ocean gently breaking
upon the shore on a summer's clay, nor by the gurg-
ling noise of a brook meandering among stones. In-
numerable instances of this naturalness of allusion and
illustration might be selected from his printed sermons,
which, when uttered with all the effect given to them
by the music of his pathetic tones, must have melted
down the hearts of his hearers into a state of highly
pleasurable emotion.
Mr. Jay was a master of the true pathetic. Minis-
ters have too much neglected this. Some have thought,
to do all in religious teaching by forceful appeals of
logic addressed to the intellect. The understanding is
the only facult}^ they seek to engage. Their logic is
clear, but it is cold. They deal with man in only one
view of his nature, as a rational being:, who has onJv to
/ o-' tj'
apprehend ideas, but forget that he is also an emotion-
al being, who lias a heart to feeJ, and who often needs
rather to be moved than convinced. His sensibility,
sometimes the best, the only, avenue to his soul, is left
unobserved, unoccupied. If the true order of nature
be for the head to guide the heart, yet, in our disturbed
and disordered condition, it often happens that the
heart is the avenue to the intellect. Men love to feel,
as well as to think ; and hence we speak of the luxury
of tender emotion. Mr. Jay knew this, and entered
very deeply into Christian aesthetics. His voice gave
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 299
Iiim great advantages here. His very intonations
touched and opened the springs of feeling. When the
people were in a prepared state of mind, he has some-
times melted them by his manner of repeating an in-
terjection, or a single word. His pathos, however,
was not all confined to his manner, but extended itself
to his matter. In this there were often the most tender
and touching allusions and descriptions. Who, that
ever read, can forget that beautiful passage in his ser-
mon to husbands and wives, in which he represents
woman, pleading on the ground of her weakness and
dependence, for sympathy, kindness, and protection ?
To have heard this passage uttered by his pathetic
tones and plaintive looks, must have been followed by
an effect more than dramatic :
" Milton has finely expressed the difference in the
original pair.
" 'For contemplation he, and valor form'd;
For softness she, and sweet attractive grace.'
Her bodily strength is inferior, her constitution less
firm and vigorous, her frame more tender, her temper
more yielding, her circumstances more generally de-
pressing. A rose, a lily, allows of no rough usages.
Tenderness demands gentleness ; delicacy, care ; pli-
ancy, props. Has a condition few resources, and is
there much in it of the afflictive and humbling ? the
more does it need succor, and the more necessary is
every assistance to maintain and increase the conse-
quence of it, especially where so much depends upon
the respectability of the character who fills it. Where
is the m^n who is not alive to this consideration ?
300 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
Where is the husband, who, reflecting on her peculiar
circumstances, would not be disposed, by every possi-
ble means, to promote the dignity and the satisfaction
of a wife ? What is the language of these circum-
stances ? ' Honor us ; deal kindly with us. From
many of the opportunities and means by which you
procure favorable notice, we are excluded. Doomed
to the shades, few of the high places of the earth are
open to us. Alternately we are adored and oppressed.
From our slaves you become our tyrants. You feel
our beauty, and avail yourselves of our weakness.
You complain of our inferiority, but none of your be-
havior bids us rise. Sensibility has given us a thou-
sand feelings, which nature has kindly denied you.
Always under restraints, we have little liberty of
choice. Providence seems to have been more atten-
tive to enable us to confer happiness than to enjoy ii.
Every condition has for us fresh mortifications; every
relation new sorrows. We enter social bonds : it is a
system of perpetual sacrifice. We cannot give life to
others without hazarding our own. We have suffer-
ings "which } 7 ou do not share cannot share. If spar-
ed, years and decays invade our charms, and much of
the ardor produced by attraction departs with it. We
may die. The grave covers us, and we are soon for-
gotten : soon are the days of your mourning ended,
soon is our loss repaired ; dismissed even from your
speech, our name is to be heard no more, a successor
may dislike it. Our children, after having a mother
by nature, may fall under the control of a mother by
affinity, and be mortified by distinctions made between
them and her own offspring. Though the duties
which we have discharged invariably be the most im-
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 301
portant and necessary, they do not shine; they are too
common to strike ; they procure no celebrity : the
wife, the mother, fills no historic page. Our privations,
our confinements, our wearisome days, our interrupt-
ed, our sleepless nights, the hours we have hung in
anxious watchings over your sick and dying off-
spring.' "
There was an individualising effect produced by
Mr. Jay's preaching. He not only preached before
his congregation, but to them ; and not only to the
multitude, but to the individuals which composed it.
His sermons formed a kind of mirror, which reflected
the image of those who approached it, and in which
every one saw himself as distinguished from others.
Each of his hearers felt as if the preacher's eye were
fixed on him, and his discourse addressed to him. This
is a happy art in preaching, and, indeed, in all public
speaking, and in order to which it is necessary to ap-
proach, without descending below ourselves or our
subject, or even the more intelligent of our auditors,
yet as nearly as we can to the easy comprehension of
the mass of our hearers. When the preacher soars
into the clouds where the understanding cannot track
him, or diverges into a wood where they cannot find
him, they will soon give over all attempts to follow
him, and leave him to his wanderings. Mr. Jay's sim-
plicity, clearness, and intelligibility to all, were most
commendable, rarely equalled, and never surpassed.
It were desirable that these qualities should be remark-
ed, and, as far as possible, imitated, by all preachers
of the Grospel. His beautiful conceptions, expressed
in good plain Saxon words, were easily understood by
the bulk of his hearers ; in fact, none cpulcl misunder-
302 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
stand them, while the most cultivated and refined
could not feel displeased with them.
It is recorded of Arago, the celebrated French as-
tronomer, that he had a peculiar facility of bringing
down the high parts of astronomy to the comprehen-
sion of ordinary minds, a faculty so rare, that some
of the most distinguished astronomers have failed in
making their science intelligible or interesting to a
public auditory. Arago adopted a method which we
believe had never been tried before by any of his pre-
decessors. When he began to give his course of lec-
tures on astronomy, he glanced round on his audience
to look for some dull aspirant for knowledge with a
low forehead, and other indications that he was among
the least intelligent of his hearers. He kept his eye
fixed upon him ; he addressed only him ; and by the
effect of his eloquence and powers of explanation, as
exhibited in the countenance of his pxipil, he judged
of their influence upon the rest of his audience. When
lie remained unconvinced, the orator tried new illus-
trations, till light beamed from the grateful counte-
nance. Next morning, when Arago was breakfasting
with his family, a visitor was announced. A gentle-
man entered his pupil of the preceding evening, who,
after expressing his admiration of the lecture, thank-
ed Arago for the very peculiar attention he had paid
him during the delivery. " You had the appearance,"
said he, " of giving the lecture only to me." Shall it
be the ambition only of the astronomer, and not also
of the preacher, to be understood by the convert, and
to make every individual feel lie is the party address-
ed ? Shall they who preach salvation think only of
pleasing the cultivated few, to the neglect of the igno-
CONCLUDING- OBSERVATIONS. 303
rant multitude ? Let the minister of religion take a
lesson, aye, and reproof too, from the lecture on as-
tronomy. Mr. Jay had learnt this lesson, and prac-
ticed it well. It is not meant, of course, that the
preacher is always to dwell on elementary truths, and
even to accommodate his discourse to the poor and
illiterate ; but he ought never to forget that our Lord
said, " the poor have the Gospel preached unto them ;"
and it was observed of his own preaching that " the
common people heard him gladly." True, we ought
not to be always in the nursery feeding babes with
milk ; but then the babes ought not to be forgotten or
neglected.
The character of strong sound sense which pervaded
Mr. Jay's sermons contributed very largely to his pop-
ularity, combined, as this uniformly was, with the
practical. There seems to be in the public mind an
intuitive perception that religion is not mere science
or theory, but that it contains much that has to do
with men's business and bosoms. There is an innate
conviction that there is not only something to know,
but something to do. They may not be always very
willing to do what is enjoined upon them, but still
they expect to hear it, and are dissatisfied if they do
not. They are aware that it is a matter which has to
do with all persons, states, and circumstances. Hence
they feel somewhat of surprise, and even disgust, with
the preacher who deals much in abstractions that lie
remote from human nature and life. They expect to
be told not only how they should think, but how they
should act ; and one good sound maxim of spiritual
wisdom which will guide them through the intricacies
of life, and the perplexities of casuistry, will be fa.r
304 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
more valued than many an airy speculation, or elabo-
rate investigation of some profound and abstract ques-
tion in theology. Mr. Jay's practical directions pos-
sessed much of the terseness, the wisdom, and the force
of proverbs. In a single sentence he often expressed
what others would expand into a paragraph or a page.
Few ever had, in such perfection, the happy art of
saying much in few words. They who could not carry
away a whole sermon could remember a single sen-
tence, which perhaps contained the pith of the whole.
They may not have been able to secure the entire
string of pearls ; but they could retain one which was
complete in itself, and a specimen of all the rest. He
always preached as if he wished his sermon to be re-
membered as well as heard ; and it was this which led
him to condemn the essay form of sermonizing, and to
adopt so uniformly the methodical arrangement of his
discourses into the usual divisions and sub-divisions
of a sermon. lie aimed not merely at present effect,
but at permanent advantage ; and his arrangement of
his subject, which sometimes was fanciful, aiming at
antithesis and parallelism, and approaching almost to
the metrical, was intended to assist the memory, and
thus to promote usefulness. Mr. Hall, a master and
high authority on such subjects, speaks of the narrow
trammels to which in these latter days discourses from
the pulpit are confined, "so different from the free and
unfettered airs in which the first preachers of the Gos-
pel appeared before their audience. The sublime emo-
tions with which they were fraught," he says, " would
have rendered them impatient of such restrictions ;
nor could they suffer the impetuous stream of their
argument, expostulation, and pathos, to be weakened
CONCLUDING OBSEEVATIONS. 805 -
by being diverted into the artificial reservoirs prepared
in the heads and particulars of a modern sermon."
The analogy, however, of the two cases will not hold.
There are occasions, no doubt, when the sermon may
with prop.^ety and effect assume the form and charac-
ter of an oration, though rarely of an essay, especially
when concentrated impression, rather than instruction,
is the design of the preacher ; but as a general rule,
considering the heterogeneous nature of our congrega-
tions, the plan of heads and particulars, if they are
not too numerous, is most for edification ; and it was
certainly the method which Mr. Hall himself adopted :
his Sermon on Infidelity, and on the death of the
Princess Charlotte, being the only ones which are
printed in which the usual announcement of heads
and particulars is omitted. Mr. Jay's divisions, though
always announced, were never unnecessarily multi-
plied ; and thus, while he aided the memory, he did
not burthen it.
Mr. Jay, though generally grave, chaste, and dig-
nified in his composition, occasionally somewhat vio-
lated the law of propriety in regard to these excel-
lences, by a quaiutness of expression. This applies al-
most exclusively to his preaching, and was most prob-
ably purely extemporaneous. He has extruded nearly
all of it from his printed discourses. This tendency
to quaintness grew upon him in his declining years,
when, perhaps, under some consciousness of decaying
force, he thought he would supply the deficiency by
what was fanciful and odd, or quaint. He was, per-
haps, somewhat sensible of this when, in his preface to
his " Short Discourses" he wrote the following sen-
tence : " Though he does not wish to indulge a bad
306 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
taste, the Author would ever remember that the
preacher ought to have compassion on the ignorant,
and on them that are out of the way. That which, is
too smooth, easily slides off from the memory, and
that which is lost in the act of hearing will do little
good. It is desirable to get something that will strike
and abide; something that recurring again and again,
will employ the thoughts and the tongue ; and if this
cannot be accomplished in certain instances by modes
of address which perhaps are not classically justifiable,
should not a minister prefer utility to fame ?"
This great preacher threw a sacred charm over his
sermons by a profusion of Scripture phraseology, and
allusion to Scripture facts. They were adorned with
the beauty and redolent with the fragrance of flowers
culled from the garden of inspiration. Indeed the
beauty and the perfume were almost in excess. The
passages were not so much selected for proof as for il- '
lustration ; they were brought forward, as classic quo-
tations are by public orators, to grace a speech, and to
convey the speaker's idea in the opposite language of
a high authority. While listening to his discourses,
and regaling themselves with his pleasing thoughts,
his hearers were often surprised by his repetition of
Scripture, so appropriate thajb it seemed as if it had
been written for the occasion. He rarely ever referred
to the book, chapter, and verse which he thus used, as
he imagined that the hearers would be diverted from
the subject, and disturb their neighbors by turning
over the leaves of their Bibles, and the rustling noise,
if many did so, which this would occasion. Here we
think he was a little in error in point of excess. Fewer
passages, some of them explicitly quoted as well as re-
CONCLUDING- OBSERVATIONS. 307
peated, with a passing remark which would bring out
and impress their whole meaning, must do more good
than so many passages interwoven without reference
or remark into the texture of the sermon.
Another excess in which he indulged in his later
years, and in his ordinary ministrations, was, in the
way of poetic quotation, especially verses of hymns.
He was fond of poetry. His was a poetic mind ; and
though he rose not to the rank of a great lyric poet,
yet he wrote some good hymns, as must be apparent
to those who read this volume. In the last sermon he
preached in Argyle Chapel, there are no less than thir-
teen of these poetic scraps. The greater part of them,
however, he would no doubt have omitted had he
prepared the sermon for the press.
Mr. Jay, through the whole of his ministry, was, as
might be supposed, much in demand for public occa-
sions. Few ministers were more frequently put in
requisition for preaching at the opening of chapels,,
and for the various organizations of Christian zeal and
benevolence. For such services he always carefully
prepared, and rarely disappointed the expectation of
his audience. He felt that it would be unworthy of
himself, his subject, and his audience, to come forth
with an ill- digested, crude, and hasty effusion of meagre
thought, set forth in slovenly language. While, on
the other hand, though aware he was surrounded by
his ministerial brethren, he did not sacrifice the inter-
ests of the people to them, and, instead of producing
sermons for edification, attempt to astonish by a dis-
play of profound and profitless speculation, or dazzle
by an exhibition of rapid elegance, resembling the
flash, the rush, the lofty flight and vanishing light of
808 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
the sky-rocket, but withal as useless as that pyrotech-
nic exhibition.
He often surprised his audience by the ingenuity ho
displayed in the appropriation of texts to particular
occasions. As specimens of this take the following
examples: On the death of Greorge the Fourth'
"Another King, one Jesus.'' On the reopening of
his chapel after a temporary closing " A door was
opened in heaven." After an enlargement of the
chapel " Be ye also enlarged." For a Communion
address " One of you is a devil." Who but he would
have thought of such a passage as this, for the text of
a funeral sermon for a great man: "Howl, fir tree;
for the cedar is fallen ?" From this passage he preach-
ed first, after the death of Mr. Hall ; and then again
at the death of Mr. Eowland Hill. How poetic, how
striking, how appropriate to express the Church's la-
ment over the grave of one of her illustrious pastors !
Mr. Jay considered it -a solemn duty to take ad-
vantage- of the times of public occasions to make na-
ture and providence subservient to religious instruc-
tion. He generally preached on the seasons of the
year; and on national mercies, calamities, and great
political events ; but he did not bring politics, in the
conventional meaning of that term, into the pulpit.
It need scarcely be said by those who knew Mr. Jay,
that he made no use of notes in the pulpit, except oc-
casionally at the very close of his ministry, when he
could no longer so implicitly confide in his memory.
In his earlier days he wrote his sermons pretty fully,
and even where this was not done, most of the leading
thoughts had passed through his mind in his previous
meditation? upon the text or the subject. He did not,
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 309
however, so closely adhere .to his prepared natter as to
shut out suggestions that arose at the time; those
"living thoughts," as Mr. Newton used to call them,
which came warm and glowing from the heart while
he was preaching. He very strongly reprobated the
practice of pulpit readings, and lamented the growing
disposition for this among the young ministers of the
present day. Where is the practice of reading toler-
ated except in the Pulpit ? Not on the Stage ; not in
the Senate; not at the Bar. In the time of Charles
the Second it was forbidden by statute to the University
of Cambridge, which says " the lazy way of reading
sermons began in the time of the Civil Wars."
It will be seen, by this description, that we do not
claim for this eminent preacher any dazzling brilliancy
of genius, any profound originality, any power of
philosophical analysis, any logical acumen, or even
great theological research. To those who can only be
pleased with such things, or to others who resolve all
pulpit excellence into abstract generalizations, or lofty
speculations, or subtle argumentation, Mr. Jay's ser-
mons presented few attractions. His sound evangel-
ism, his practical wisdom, his rich experience, his
strong sense, his melting tenderness, his touching
pathos, his beautiful illustrations, his sweet antitheses,
his poetic fancy, which procured him. while a living
preacher such wide and continued popularity, and
which in his published works will never cease to de-
light the readers who can be pleased with strong in-
telligence and true piety were held in light esteem by
those who love to soar in the clouds, or delve in the
dark mines of German mysticism.
If Mr. Jay attained to such excellence as preacher,
310 . CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
it was not without great self-culture and laborious en-
deavors. No doubt there is some truth in the opin-
ion, that there are natural tendencies which lead to
distinction in any branch of human pursuit. We
need not believe phrenology to admit this. In a quali-
fied sense, Mr. Jay was born a preacher : person, voice,
physiological temperament appropriate to this occupa-
tion, were all given to him in his physical constitution.
But this was not all. If he owed much to those .gifts
lavished upon him by the hand of God, he owed much
also to his own sagacity, diligence, arid unwearied endea-
vors after improvement and distinction. He was a
preacher from a boy. His choice of this line of action
grew out of his religious convictions and emotions, and
was sustained and stimulated by them. He longed to
be useful in saving sinners from the condemnation
which he had escaped ; he saw the power of the pul-
pit as Grod's great instrument for accomplishing this
end ; and, almost from the time of his first entering it,
he made it, as we have already said, the object of his
hallowed ambition to excel there. In after-life, all his
reading, his reflection, and his writing centred in that
object. He studied the best models of preaching;
learnt French chiefly to read the sermons of Bossuet,
Bourclaloue, Masillon, and Saurin, in their own tongue ;
and attentively perused the Puritan and Nonconform-
ist writers, together with more modern authors of
sermons, the better to qualify himself to be a preacher.
At home and abroad, when travelling or recreating
himself at some watering-place, he was in one sense
always sermonizing. He rarely returned to his own
house, after a retreat for awhile to the coast, without
bringing back with him some plans of sermons or
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 311
texts that had struck him, in his reading or medita-
tions during this season of innocent relaxation from
pastoral duties. To be a useful preacher was his aim ;
and it was thus, by constant and unwearied effort, he
became one.
And if this were the habitual study of all who are
called to occupy the pulpit ; if with an intense long-
ing after the salvation of immortal souls, and an un-
wavering determination to know nothing among men,
but Jesus Christ and him crucified ; if with a true phi-
losophical view of the adaptation of preaching to
awaken attention and produce impression ; if with a
recollection of what has been done by the g^eat mas-
ters in the art of preaching, all. ministers were to
study the best models of evangelical pulpit eloquence,
and were to take extraordinary pains to acquire, by
the aid of Divine grace, a commanding and interest-
ing style of pulpit address ; and, while cherishing a
sense of absolute dependence for efficiency upon the
work of the Holy Spirit, they were to recollect the
Spirit works by appropriate means ; and took half the
pains to make their speaking in the pulpit as impress-
ive as the actor does to make his upon the stage ; if
concerning the powerful preaching of the Gospel, they
said "this one thing I do," and called in all collateral
aids to do it in the best manner, we should not hear,
as we sometimes do, of the declining power of the pul-
pit. It is for a wonder, a lamentation, and a reproach,
that they who have to do the most momentous work
under the sun, give themselves the least pains to do it
effectually. Mankind are wrought upon by manner as
well as matter it is an interesting, earnest style of ad-
dress that engages attention, reaches the heart, and ac-
312 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
complishes the end of preaching ; in the absence of
which, learning the most profound, and theology the
most scriptural, will fail to secure popularity, or to ob-
tain success. It will not do to say, we are so engross-
ed with the matter of our discourses as to be indifferent
to the manner of them. The more important to men's
interests is the matter, the more anxious should we be
that in our manner there should be nothing to hinder,
but, on the contrary, everything to aid, the success of
the matter. That minister who feels called by the Holy
Ghost to be a preacher of Christ's blessed Grospel,
ought to feel himself no less called to take all possible
pains to do it in the best possible manner.
How eminently Mr. Jay's efforts to exec! in this
matter were crowned with success, the reader of the
foregoing pages has seen amply illustrated as he has
advanced though this volume. We shall here, how-
ever, add one more testimony, which, from its impar-
tiality and high respectability, is entitled to much
weight. Bishop Shirley, in a letter to the Rev. C,
Bridges, says : "I spent two days at Bath, and heard
Mr. Jay preach. He is a very extraordinary man.
There is a commanding energy in his manner, and a
weight in his style, which gives authority to what he
says, and secures attention ;' for he is evidently in earn-
est, and utters the result of much thinking and
prayer." *
If the publication of Mr. Jay's life should serve no
other purpose than to stir up the ministry to a more
earnest and anxious endeavor to excel in this their mo-
mentous sphere of official duty, and to present to them
* Memoir of Bishop Shirley, p. 58. This letter is dated Ash-
bourn, February 18th, 1823.
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 813
a model which they shall aim to copy, then it will be
subject of congratulation and thankfulness, that to the
world has been given this memoir of one whom Foster
designated, " The Prince of Preacliers."
ME. JAY AS AN AUTHOR.
AFTER having expressed our opinion of Mr. Jay as
a preacher, we have felt some doubts whether our
readers may not think it quite enough, without refer-
ring particularly to his authorship. But still there is
a sufficient diversity in the two departments to justify
a separate notice. The talents which secure success in
the one can by no means be taken as a pledge of suc-
cess in the other. It is a rare thing for a man to excel
in both characters, even though the authorship may
lie mainly in the line of sermons. Of this Mr. Jay
himself seems to have been perfectly conscious ; for he
did little in the way of authorship, except in connec-
tion with his preaching, as he also did little in the
way of public speaking, except from the pulpit. Un-
der a just sense of the limitation of human faculties, he
concentrated his upon one object; and that object
gained so conspicuously and successfully supplied the
first and chief inducement to appear as an author ;
and this rather as an extension of the preacher's office,
or as an enlargement of his audience.
Mr. Jay's labors as an author were principally pur-
sued at watering-places, during a relaxation of a few
weeks in summer. He gives the following brief but
interesting account of these labors, in in Advertise-
ment to the last volume of the "Exercise" :
"At Sidmouth he began his ' Domestic Ministers'
14
314: CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
Assistant,' and wrote many of the Family prayers. In
the Isle of Wight, he composed ' A Charge to a Min-
ister's Wife,' and 'The Wife's Advocate.' At Lyn-
mouth, he finished his ' Christian Contemplated,' and
wrote the Preface ; with ' Hints on Preaching.'
" But this latter place must be a little more noticed.
There, for several years successively, he passed a month,
the most perfectly agreeable and happy he ever expe-
rienced in a life of loving-kindness and tender mercy.
" Linton and Lynrnouth are nearly connected the
one being at the top and the other at the bottom of a
declivity, covered with trees and verdure, interspersed
with several houses. Linton has been remarked for
its sublimity, and Lynmouth for its beauty, and their
united aspects have been called Switzerland in min-
iature.
"Lynmouth was to the author the most interesting
spot. Here, two narrow and craggy valleys, obvious-
ly once ruptured by a convulsion of nature, termin-
ate ; and down these, tumbling from rock to rock, two
streams one running from the east and the other
from the south unite, and then, at a small distance,
empty themselves into the sea.
" At the time of his first going there it was hardly
known or considered as a watering-place. It had not,
therefore, as yet fallen into the corruptions of such
receptacles ; nor had the inhabitants been taught to
make visitors a prey. The villagers were very re-
spectful ; and strangers felt a sense of perfect safety.
" Here the author fixed his residence. He took a
whole cottage ; it was far from elegant, but it was neat
and agreeable ; it wanted some accommodation and
comforts ; but he had what he more prized, rural and
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 315
enchanting scenery and solitude. Yet not without
some to hear the exclamation, 'How sweet this soli-
tude is !' for he had society too ; his company was
small, but chosen, and suitable, and improving :
' Where friendship full exerts her softest power, >
Perfect esteem, enlivened by desire
Ineffable, and sympathy of soul
Thought meeting thought, and will preventing will,
With boundless confidence.'
" His associates consisted of his wife and a female
friend. It would be vain in him to extol the former ;
but as for the latter- especially as she was soon re-
moved from our world he may be allowed to say,
we hardly could have had her equal in everything we
wished. She was of a verjr respectable family ; well
educated, polished in her manners, intellectual,
sprightly, witty, truly pious, full of sensibility and be-
nevolence, and an entire stranger to everything like
selfishness. What, with regard to this friend, before
our first excursion together was acquaintance, was
IIOAV rendered intimacy the most cordial ; and she be-
came a dear resident in the family till her lamented
death. The cottage we occupied was near Mr. Her-
ries' beautiful villa. It has since been spoiled by im-
provements, and is now a kind of tawdry little man-
sion ; and the whole of Lynmouth itself, which taste
might have altered, and y&i left it a village still, is
aping a paltry town.
" Here our party felt themselves at liberty to meet
or to separate to read or to write or to converse or
to walk as inclination prompted. As to himself, the
author opened his parlor, and spoke on the Sabbath-
816 CONCLUDING
day evening to any of the neighbors who would at-
tend. But having been struck with the design, and
also having been urged to undertake something of
the kind, he now began his ' Morning Exercises.'
Of these, he here often wrote two, and sometimes
three a day ; and always read one of them in the morn-
ing and another in the evening devotion, and not often
without the approbation of his companions, which most
excited and encouraged him to proceed.
" Here he composed the greater part of these Morn-
ing Exercises, and here also, in after visits, he wrote
the greater part of the Evening. He once thought of
distinguishing by a final mark all he had written in
this retirement ; but not doing it immediately, his re-
collection soon became too indistinct for him to divide
with certainty. The first 'Exercise' he wrote was
that which is entitled, 'The Unlonely Solitude,'
John, xvi. 32 : ' And shall leave me alone : and yet I
am not alone, because the Father is with me.'
" He wished also to have marked those which he
wrote as he journeyed to and from Lyn mouth. At
the 'Plume of Feathers,' Minehead, where he slept as
he was going clown, he composed the Exercise, called,
' The Pious Excursion,' 1 Sam. iii. 9 : ' Speak, Lord,
for thy servant heareth,' 'especially in reference to
such a journey of recreation. At the same inn, as he
returned, he composed the Exercise, entitled ' The Call
to Depart,' Micah, ii. 10: 'Arise, and depart hence,
for this is not your rest.' He also wrote a third Ex-
ercise at the same inn, viz., ' Changes in the wilder-
ness not a removal from it,' Numb. x. 12 : ' And the
children of Israel took their journeys out of the wil-
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 317
derness of Sinai ; and the cloud rested in the wilder-
ness at Peran.'
" The author cannot conclude without observing two
things: the first is, That relaxation is never so per-
fectly enjoyed as in connection with engagement.
' A want of occupation is not rest ;
A mind quite vacant is mind distress'd.'
"Kelaxation, indeed, can have no existence sepa-
rate from employment, for what is there then to relax
from ? On the other hand, action prepares for repose,
and labor not only sweetens, but justifies recreation ;
so that we feel it to be, not only innocent indulgence,
but a kind of recompense. The second is, That, as of
such a precious talent as time nothing should be lost,
so, much may be done by gathering up its fragments."
The peculiar charm which his sermons derived from
his oratory and elocution could not, of course, attend
Ms publications, and yet, when divested of this fasci-
nation, they exhibited other charms and excellences,
which secured for them, not only attention, but admi-
ration, popularity, and usefulness. His compositions,
when they came from the press, were greatly improved
and chastened, both in thought and diction. "What
they lost of effect given them by his delivery, they
gained in correctness, condensation, and point. Mr.
Jay well understood that sermons printed must be
skilfully prepared for the eye, which is a more critical
judge than the ear. The single sermons which he
first published were, no doubt, greatly aided in their
success by the popularity of the young preacher.
Moreover, his promotion so early to the pulpit of
Surrey Chapel placed him on a pinnacle before the
318 CONCLUDING OBSERVATION'S.
religious world of London ; so that when, lie sent forth
his first volume of sermons, which was as early as
1802, a wide circle of readers was anxiously waiting
to peruse them. ' The moderation of sentiment these
sermons displayed, as contrasted with the Antmomian-
ism into which some were running, both in the Estab-
lishment and among the Dissenters, their originality,
simplicity, ease, and general adaptation to the state of
the public mind, commanded for them a measure of
success which rarely attends volumes of sermons in
the present d&y, and still more rarely those from the
pens of Dissenters. It may be fairly alleged, that,
at the period when Mr. Jay first appeared as an au-
thor, there was a new and growing desire to poruso
good and evangelical sermons ; and that Mr. Jay's
were eminently suited to the taste of the day : and it
/ ij i
-would be no disparagement to aclmii: fiirlher, that in
some respects they are less suited to the taste of the
present day ; or, indeed, that as good sermons arc now
so abundant from the pulpit, there is less need of sup-
plying them from the press ; and, in consequence, few
volumes of sermons now obtain popularity, unless
they are highly elaborate, or novel subjects, or charac-
terized by eminent genius or transcendent eloquence.
There can be no doubt that* Mr. Jay's sermons were
happily suited to meet the increasing desire at that
time for evangelical instruction. Whitfield and "Wes-
ley, with their co-workers and followers, had given
the people a taste for something better than they had
been accustomed to in the dry ethical essays of the
clergy, as void of effect upon the audience as of heart
and life in the preacher. Jay's sermons, therefore,
were perhaps as much used in pulpits as in private
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 319
houses, and might be heard in many a church, and
found attractive to many a congregation of Church-
men. Some of the more liberal of the clergy recom-
mended them to their brethren, and to their people ;
and this was especially the case with those who were
alarmed at the spread of Antinomianism. The appear-
ance of the successive volumes of Mr. Jay's sermons,
and their increasing popularity, was a pleasing omen
of the sounder views which were beginning to prevail.
Indeed it may be stated, that the influence of the An-
tinomian preacher began to decrease about this time,
and has been sinking till it can scarcely be said to re-
tain an existence either in the Church or out of it. A
few scattered individuals are all that can now be found,
where formerly hundreds congregated to listen to high
doctrine ; and, among other useful works, no doubt
Mr. Jay's have had a share of influence in promoting
sounder views and a more Scriptural taste. An evi-
dence of this is seen in the fact that Mr. Jay was sin-
gled out by Bishop Jebb, and recommended to his
friend, Alexander Knox, as a pattern of sobriety and
moderation of sentiment. He says in one of his let-
ters :
" It seems to me as if the more sober Calvinists, both
in and out of the Church of England, were not a little
alarmed by the prevalence of virtual, if not as yet
practical, Antinomianism. There has been a good
deal to that purpose, I mean expressive of that alarm,
in the 'Christian Observer.' But the Independent
minister at Bath, Jay, has lately published a volume
of lectures, called ' The Christian Contemplated,' in
the preface to which are some pertinent, and, I might
say, happy remarks. It will be worth your while to
320 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
get the book, were it only for the sake of the preface ;
but the book itself is worth looking over, for, though
it has its defects and failings, it abounds in matter
which tends to edify the reader, and do real honors to
the writer."*
In speaking once upon this subject, he observed,
that, though election was true, it did not appear to
him a truth of equal importance with perseverance ;
and that, in preaching, we must not only distinguish
between truth and error, but between truth and truth.
It was a truth that our Saviour died under Pontius
Pilate, and a truth that His death was an atonement
for sin ; but who would attach the same importance
to both ? So was it here. He did not conceive that
there was any danger in preaching election in its ef-
fects ; and that it must always be remembered, that
perseverance was a duty enjoined by 2 Peter, i. 5-10,
&c., and as a privilege promised in Phil. i. 6, &c. ; and
that this twofold view ought always to be remem-
bered.
He said that Mr. Newton, at one of those breakfasts
where he received ministers of all denominations,
among other observations, made the following : He
said, that " Calvinism was one of the worst of systems
preached theoretically, but one of the best preached
practically." Mr. Jay added, that if he called any
man master on earth, it would be Leighton or New-
ton.
This just and Scriptural moderation of sentiment
which through life distinguished Mr. Jay, both as a
* Thirty Years' Correspondence between John Jebb, D.D., F.R.S.,
Bishop of Limerick, and Alexander Krox, Esq., M.R.I. A., vol. ii<
p. 557.
CONCLUDING- OBSERVATIONS. " 321
preaclier and author, commended him to the approval
of the best part of the Christian body, both in the
Established Church and among Dissenters. For this
sobriety and comprehensiveness of view he was prob-
ably greatly indebted to his excellent tutor, whose
large experience and acute observation, in the days
when there existed considerable conflict and conten-
tion among theologians of adverse schools, in connec-
tion with his loving spirit and persuasive manner,
qualified him to guard young minds against excess
and extravagance. The same moderation of sentiment
seems to have distinguished most of Mr. "Winter's stu-
dents. It is, moreover, a remarkable fact, that this
sobriety was far from being associated with tarn en ess
or indifference. It was rather accompanied with emi-
nent zeal, devotedness, and usefulness. It was very
evident that Mr. Jay's supreme aim was to be Scriptu-
ral in all Ids religious sentiments. He bowed sub-
missively to the Divine authority. Eveiy statement
is both illustrated and confirmed by the most apposite
and striking quotations. Hence, too, Mr. 3&y seems
never to shrink from the appearance of paradox, when
it arises from the strength of Scripture language in en-
forcing important truths separately. He had, from the
commencement of his course, kept himself clear of
the trammels of systematic theology ; and was only
concerned to bring the truth of Grod, as it appears in
the Bible, to bear upon the hearts and consciences of
men. Hence the constant interweaving of Scripture
in every sermon a practice which he avows and de-
fends in the preface to " The Christian Contemplated,"
where he quotes, with warm approbation, the follow-
ing judicious and beautiful defence of this practice,
54*
322 CONCLUDING- OBSERVATIONS.
from the pen of Bobert Hall, in his strictures upon
Foster's Essay, which at that day stirred up no little
controversy, and which was entitled " On the Aver-
sion of Men of Taste to Evangelical Eeligion." Mr.
Jay hailed this vindication of the use of Scriptural
language, from so high an authority, though he sus-
pects the same authority might censure himself for
using it to excess ; yet that he would still allow it was
an error on the safer side.
"To say nothing," observes Mr. Hall, "of the in-
imitable beauties of the Bible, considered in a literary
view, which are universally acknowledged,' it is the
Book which every devout man is accustomed to con-
sult as the oracle of God ; it is the companion of his
best moments, and the vehicle of his strongest conso-
lation. Intimately associated in his mind with every-
thing dear and valuable, its diction more powerfully
excites devotional feeling than any other ; and, when
temperately and soberly used, imparts an unction to a
religious discourse which nothing else can supply.
Besides, is there not room to apprehend that a studied
avoidance of the Scripture phraseology, and a care .to
express all that it is supposed to contain in the forms
of classical diction, might ultimately lead to the neg-
lect of the Scriptures themselves, and a habit of sub-
stituting flashy and superficial declamation, in the room
of the saving truths of the Gospel ? Such an appre-
hension is but too much verified by the most celebrat-
ed sermons of the French, and still more by some
modern compositions in our own language, which
usurp that title. For devotional impression, we con-
ceive that a very considerable tincture of the language
of Scripture, or at least such a coloring as shall dis-
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 823
cover an intimate acquaintance with those inimitable
models, will generally succeed best."
The copious nse which Mr. Jay made of Scripture
language, both in preaching and writing, gives his
compositions a peculiar character. It is a feature
which strikes every one as prominent, and we think,
while it yields the highest satisfaction to everj^ reader
who peruses his books for edification and instruction,
it can excite displacency in no one. There can be
little doubt that the eminent success of Mr. Jay in all
his publications is a sufficient vindication of bis prac-
tice, especially when it is considered that the success
of such writings must be taken as an indication of
their usefulness. They minister nothing to the amuse-
ment of mankind ; nothing to the gratification of a
mere literary taste, or fondness for speculation ; no-
thing to elegant scholarship, or dialectic skill, or a fer-
vid imagination ; but are the plain and forcible state-
ments of evangelical truth, " not in the words which
man's wisdom teacheth, but," to a great extent, "which
the Holy Ghost teacheth ;" and as such their extensive
and continued popularity both vindicates the judg-
ment of the writer and commends the taste of his nu-
merous Christian readers.
Mr. Jay may not be an author suited to the taste of
every reader, but he wrote for the many, and they
have been his readers. He is not learned enough for
some, nor profound enough for others ; not critical
enough for one, nor rhetorical enough for a second,
nor imaginative enough for a third ; but had he com-
mended himself to the approbation of such readers,
he would have had a much narrower circle than he
has had, and still has. Nature, or rather the God of
324 CONCLUDING- OBSEKVATIOJSTS.
nature, formed his mind in one of its most current
types, and to serve the greatest number, "by exhibiting
to them, in the most impressive, instructive, and suc-
cessful forms, not the rarities of intellectual treasures,
not the elaborations of human thought, nor the choicest
and most sparkling gems of genius, but truths of uni-
versal importance and of daily practice. He aimed at
the useful and substantial, and had little taste for the
subtle, the recondite, or the profound. His mission
was to preach the Gospel of the grace of God, which
he had received, and to extend the benefit of what he
had preached by books, for the service of those who
had not the privilege of hearing him.
In his compositions, the critic may find many faults
which passed unobserved from the pulpit. But though
sometimes his style would admit of improvement iu
respect to refinement and polish, yet, in perspicuity,
simplicity, and force, it is admirably adapted to the
purpose of instruction. It is perfectly transparent and
intelligible to all, and though occasionally, through
his anxiety to be impressive, and to fix the truth in
the mind, he indulges in an expression or a word be-
neath his subject, yet it is so obviously for the sake of
point and effect, that good taste can hardly be offended,
while the less fastidious reader is better pleased with
the homeliness and point, and possibly feels the truth
conveyed more effectually to his mind.
Eminently practical in all his views of Divine truth,
he derives useful lessons from almost every part of
Scripture ; and places duties in new lights and rela-
tions, which impart fresh force and interest to them.
He had no doubt profited much in his composition in
later years by the long and extensive practice he had
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 325
undergone, and which, from the advice of Mrs. Han-
nah More to write much and fast, he seems early to
have adopted. Every Ohristian reader of Mr. Jay's
works must be impressed with the pleasingly devo-
tional turn of his mind. His reflections lead the pious
and devout reader to the most elevated views of the
Divine character, as a Father to be loved, and a Friend
to be trusted. Every page seems to exercise over the
mind an attraction to the Source of all wisdom, blessed-
ness, and grace; and every sentiment seems bathed
with the spirit of devotion, and designed to win the
heart for God and truth.
Another feature in Mr. Jay's writings is the skill
with which, without apparent effort, he throws light
upon Scripture, and, by a few happy sentences, sets
the sacred word in a new and interesting, and often
strong, light. It is as if he placed the reader in a po-
sition from which lie could discover new lustre in the
jewel of Divine truth. He makes it flash its radiance
upon the mind's eye with a power and beauty unper-
ceived before. And, moreover, not simply as thus
condensing the force of isolated truths upon the mind,
but in the important and most useful capacity of an
expositor, he is conspicuously successful. His large
knowledge of the Divine word, and his intimate in-
sight into its special import, and his holy ingenuity in
discovering uses to which its facts and lessons may be
turned, qualify him in a high degree to expound the
sacred word. With an unrivalled force and effect
could he bring out the hidden beauties of revelation,
and enchain the mind to the truths of (rod's word.
There was a startling originality sometimes in his ap-
plication of texts, which interested and delighted the
326 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
auditor, and fixed the attention more on the Word of
God than on the preacher or the writer. But he never
pursued originality for its own sake, nor sought, as
many have done, and are still doing, to affect novelty
of thought by mere novelty of phrase. The new
idioms and the new terminology are found, when
translated into pure English, to contain little more
than old and common ideas ; often they are a mere
wrapper of grotesque or pompous phraseology thrown
around poverty of thought and vulgar superficiality.
But, in his own department, Mr. Jay was really an
original thinker, and his thoughts engage, instruct,
and delight the mind. His aim is always exalted, his
means always legitimate, his motives always pure, and
his success distinguished.
In confirmation of our own estimate of his publica-
tions, it will probably be interesting to the reader to be
informed, upon the best authority, how his works have
been received among the Christian bodies of the New
World ; and where, never having heard his voice, they
judge of him exclusively as an author. Mr. Jay him-
self sometimes alludes to the extensive sale and useful-
ness of his writings in America, and we shall, there-
fore, here introduce some extracts from the pen of a
distinguished American divine, who published an ar-
ticle more than twenty years ago in an American pe-
riodical, in which he reviewed the principal works of
Mr. Jay, which had then been reprinted in that coun-
try. In pointing out these peculiar excellences, lie
thus concludes his review. -(The article is from the pen
of the Rev. W. B. Sprague, D.D., and appeared in " The
Quarterly Christian Spectator" It iuas afterwards pub-
lished separatt '?/) .
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 327
" If the estimate which, we have formed of the char-
acter of Mr. Jay's publications be correct, it must be
obvious to every one that they are designed to have
an important influence in forming the religious charac-
ter of the age ; to say nothing of the more remote in-
fluence which they must exert upon posterity. We
will consider, under a few distinct particulars, what are
the effects which have followed, or may be expected to
follow from the labors of this popular and excellent
author. *
" Mr. Jay's writings, if we mistake not, are peculiarly
adapted to promote the study of the Bible. Not only are
the ' Morning and Evening Exercises for the Closet,'
directly of a biblical character, being designed as a sort
of practical commentary on various portions of divine
truth, but nearly all his other writings abound in scriptu-
ral illustration, and are pre eminently fitted to invest the
study of the Bible with strong attractions. No writer
of the present day makes a more copious use of Scrip-
ture than Mr. Jay ; and we might say, that in his ser-
mons he sometimes carries this to an extreme, were it
not for the uncommonly felicitous manner in which
his quotations are made. It would seem as if the
whole Bible were in his memory, and he had the pow-
er, on every occasion, of selecting the very passage
that is most to his purpose ; and when a writer quotes
Scripture with such an advantage, we can scarcely call
any degree of quotation excessive.
" If Mr. Jay should be thought by some to urge to an
extreme in respect to the direct use which he makes
of Scripture in his public discourses, we are constrain-
ed to believe that there is a tendency among many
preachers, in this country at least, to the opposite end.
328 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
"We certainly do not wish to be brought back to the
practice of some of our venerable fathers, who not only
were accustomed to string together many passages of
Scripture, often without much regard to connection,
but detained their hearers by turning over the leaves
of the Bible to look their passages out ; but we do
wish that every sermon should have so much of the
Bible in it, either as it respects language or spirit, that
it shall be obvious to every hearer that it is drawn di-
rectly from that sacred book. It were reasonable to
expect that God should put special power upon his
own word ; and hence we find that the frequent intro-
duction of Scripture language into a sermon imparts
to it, in the view of the pious, a kind of unction which
it can derive from nothing else. So, too, all experience
proves, that there is no argument so strong as ' thus
saith the Lord ;' and many a mind which has warred
through a long course of metaphysical reasoning, has
been fixed in its convictions by one plain declaration
of the Bible.
* * -x- * * #
" Mr. Jay's writings are also eminently distinguished
for their Practical Tendency They are indeed by no
means deficient in the exhibition of Scripture doc-
trines, but whenever doctrines are discussed, it is al-
ways in a practical way. They are not taken up as
abstract propositions, but are presented just as they
are found in Grod's word, and as they stand related to
the experience and conduct of men. They are more
commonly adapted to make men acquainted with their
own hearts ; to carry them back to the very springs
of their actions ; and to impress them with the convic-
tion that the whole of religion is a practical reality.
'CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 329
We are not aware that Mr. Jay lias written anything
of a merely speculative character; whatever has come
from his pen, so far as wo know, has an important
bearing upon practice, and is fitted to exert a benign
and elevating influence upon human character.
"It has been a characteristic of some, periods of the
Church, that they have been distinguished by a rage
for speculation. No one can go back to the time of
the latter Christian fathers, or to the days of Thomas
Aquinas, vithout being forcibly struck by the end-
lessly diversified and hair-breadth distinctions which
were then resorted to, in illustration and defence of
Scripture doctrine ; and it were hardly necessary to
say, that an age which had so much in its character
that was speculative could not be distinguished by re-
ligious action. It was common, in those days, for
men to exhaust all their powers in endeavoring to
settle points which did not admit of being settled, and
which, if they had been, would not make one hair
white or black, as it respects the salvation of men, or
the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. The lam-
entable result was, that, while men were spending
their lives in metaphysical quibbling, the great cause
for which the Saviour shed his blood seemed to stand
still, if not to be on the retrograde ; and the revival
of the spirit of religious action did not take place until
the rage for vain speculation had begun in some meas-
ure to die away. If we do not greatly mistake,
wherever the doctrines of the Grospel are exhibited in.
connection with much of human philosophy, and en-
cumbered by the technology of the schools, they will
be found to a great extent inefficacious, and the Church
will be found proportionably listless and inactive.
But when these truths are presented in their naked
330 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
simplicity, and brought home to the mind and heart
as common-sense realities, without having their in-
fluence in any degree neutralized by foreign admix-
tures, they will be found quick and powerful ; and it
may reasonably be expected that in such a community
there will be a waking from the dreams of careless-
ness, and a spirit of benevolent activity going forth to
bless the world.
* # & & # *
" One great secret of the charm which pervades Mr.
Jay's writings is, that he ranges through every de-
partment of human experience, and shows that the
spirit has its appropriate teachings for every condition.
Their tendency is not only to make man do right in
all circumstances, but to do right intelligently, and
upon principle.
"It is another characteristic of Mr. Jay's writings,
that they are eminently fitted to cherish a devotional
spirit We have already had occasion to remark, that
his ' Family Prayers,' while they show the fertility of
his mind, the purity of his taste, and the originality
and beauty of his conceptions, also breathe, in an un-
common degree, the spirit of genuine devotion. But
most of his other writings, tho .igh they are designed
primarily to instruct, and are indeed, in a high degree,
instructive, are delightfully pervaded by the same
spirit. His 'Morning and Evening Exercises' are par-
ticularly designed to be the companion of the closet ;
and it would seem scarcely possible that they should
be used by any Christian, as they were intended to be,
without bringing him into an appropriate frame for
communion with Grod.
" It will be obvious to any one who reflects how
much the present age is characterized by the spirit of
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 331
active enterprise, that there is danger that it will suffer
in its devotional character; danger that, while Chris-
tians have their hands full of work, their hearts will
be comparatively barren of devout exercises ; that
their active efforts in building up the kingdom of
Christ will be suffered to interfere with the more re-
tired business of keeping their hearts and communing
with (rod. We do not complain that the religious
character of the age has too much in it that is practi-
cal ; but we have much reason to fear that many
Christians of the present day sometimes render apolo-
gies to their consciences for a partial neglect of their
closets, on the ground that their time is so much en-
grossed by duties of a public nature that they have
little left for anything else. Whenever this state of
things exists, it is an evil which ought at once to be
corrected ; for not only does it indicate an approaching
decline of the spirit of piety, but it looks as if the
spirit of benevolent action would not endure ; and
whenever the Christian loses sight of his dependence
on Grod, in his benevolent efforts, he may rest assured,
either that his zeal will soon languish, or that his ef-
forts will be unsuccessful.
" Another striking characteristic of Mr. Jay's writ-
ings is, that they exhibit, in the best sense, a truly catho-
lic spirit. Not that there is anything in them that looks
like lowering the standard of Christian doctrine or
practice, or of yielding up anything that is essential
in religion -7- far from it. The great doctrines and
duties of the Gospel are constantly stated and urged
in all their importance ; and erroneous doctrines and
practices meet with their deserved condemnation. Bat.
after all, the author never seems to be trammelled bv
' v
sectarian peculiarities ; and scarcely ever occupies
332 CONCLrDING OBSERVATIONS.
ground upon which he would not be cordially met by
Christians of every evangelical denomination. This,
no doubt, is one great reason of the universal popular-
ity his writings have gained both in Great Britain and
this country ; and hence, too, we have found many
who had been long conversant with his writings, who
yet had never been able to discover to what denomi-
nation he belonged, and some who had always had the
impression that, instead of being an Independent, as
he actually is, he is a (Low Church) Episcopalian. ISFo
doubt he has his attachment to Independency ; but it
is so far from being a bigoted attachment, that he
opens the arms of his charity wide to every evangeli-
cal Christian, let his denomination be what it may.
Men may differ from him in many unimportant partic-
ulars, and yet, instead of standing aloof from them,
as errorists, he cordially welcomes them as iellow-dis-
ciples of a common Master.
" The spirit of Christian Catholicism which Mr. Jay's
writings evince, is what we wish to see more and more
extensively pervade the religious community. We
are by no means disposed to plead for an annihilation
of sects, or for any attempt to range all the followers
of Christ under the same human banner. On the con-
trary, we fully believe that the division of the Chris-
tian world into various denominations is not without
some important uses ; and that, if its legitimate influ-
ence is not neutralized by unchristian jealousies and
alienations, it may hasten rather than retard the ulti-
mate triumph of the Church.
55- v!- & * T *
" Let the delightful spirit which Mr. Jay has exem-
plified in his writings pervade all the different com-
munities of the followers of Christ, and, though we
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 338
may still have different denominations, yet it will be
manifest that there is but one body. Under such an
influence the world will be compelled again to the ex-
clamations which were made in the early ages of the
church, 'Behold how these Christians love one an-
other !'
" In the writings of Mr. Jay there is a remarkable
consistency, and they are fitted, in an eminent degree,
to form a consistent religious character. One principal
reason why most of the professed followers of Christ
exert so little influence in favor of his cause is, that
their Christian character is marred by such palpable
inconsistency. This inconsistency results from the
very estimate which they form of the comparative im-
portance of different duties ; and from the neglect of
some, or other, or all of the duties of Christian life,
x- & * * *
" ISTow, if we do not mistake, Mr. Jay's writings are
not more remarkable for anything than their tendency
to counteract this evil. They bring before us with
great felicity, and without any apparent reference to
system, the various duties of men, just as they are in-
culcated in God's word, giving to each its proportion-
ate importance. There is no elevating faith at the ex-
pense of works, or zeal at the expense of morality, or
alms at the expense of prayer ; but each duty stands
forth with its own claims, holding its appropriate
place. In short, we know of few writings which are
fitted to make an impression more, in this respect, like
that of the Bible itself, than those of Mr. Jay. Who-
ever reads them attentively, and imbibes their spirit,
will not be punctilious in respect to one set of duties,
and lax in regard to another ; but he will be attentive
to all; and, under such an influence, his Christian
334 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
character, instead of being unsightly and monstrous,
will develop itself in fair and beautiful proportions.
"After what we have already said of Mr. Jay's writ-
ings, we scarcely need add, that they are fitted to form
Christian character on the most lovely and attractive model.
It cannot be disguised, that, as the beauty of Christian
doctrine has sometimes been marred by human philo-
sophy, so the loveliness of Christian example has been
obscured by what has almost seemed a cold and lower-
ing melancholy. There have been those, and they are
yet to be found, who appear habitually gloomy from
principle ; who set down the playfulness and buoyancy
of the animal spirits to the account of an inveterate
waywardness; and who never venture to speak on the
subject of religion at all, but with what seems an air of
affected solemnity.
55- -re- -3f & -3fr
"If irreligious persons are liable to be confirmed in
their irreligion, by the careless and triflling deportment
of professed Christians, they are not less exposed to
the same evil by seeing a Christian profession constant-
ly associated with a morose and forbidding gloom. Let
religion be exhibited in all its cheerful attractions,
while yet it retains its appropriate seriousness and dig-
nity, and it cannot fail to commend itself to the judg-
ment, and conscience, and better feelings of all who
witness such a manifestation.
"There are few men probably to wnorn the present
age is more indebted for whatever of consistent cheer-
fulness its religious character may possess, than to Mr.
Jay. Other writers, as we have already intimated,
may have done more than he to rouse the slumbering
conscience of the sinner, and bring him into the atti-
tude of conviction and repentance ; but few, we think.
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 335
have done more to hold up religion to the world in all
its divine and beautiful attractions. We cannot take
leave of this interesting and popular writer, without
commending his writings to every class of our readers.
We would commend them especially to the young
Christian, as being eminently fitted to form him to a
high degree of religious enjoyment, activity, and use-
fulness. We would commend them to the men who
would know most of the windings of his own heart,
and would have maxims of true practical wisdom in
his own mind, to regulate every part of his conduct.
We would commend them even to the man who scoffs
at religion as a fable ; for if he can contemplate that
view of the Gospel which these writings present, with-
out acknowledging that it is consistent, beautiful, even
glorious, then it is because he belies his own convic-
tions, or because his infidelity has made him a madman."
Though this extract is long, yet it seemed the most
appropriate, complete, and satisfactory testimony we
could supply of the popularity and usefulness of Mr.
Jay's writings in that extensive and populous country,
where they are, to say the least, as extensively known
and as much admired as in Great Britain. The long-
established and well-earned reputation of the writer adds
weight to his judicious and discriminating observations.
Our own opinions and remarks, previously given, co-
incide, in the main, with those of Dr. Sprague. Mr.
Jay studied, and preached, and wrote for the Christian
community at large. He wished the whole world to
hear and to read, in the most intelligible and impress-
ive terms, the Grospel of the grace of God ; and he
wrote, therefore, in the common dialect, as the best ve-
hicle for the truth of God ; but this he wrought into a
336 . CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
polished shaft, and gave it a direct and successful
aim.
The admirers of sustained and impassioned elo-
quence, or of a magniloquent style, or even of a purely
classic diction, will find little to satisfy them, much less
to fascinate them, in the volumes of Mr. Jay's works ;
but all who desire to see the truths of Divine Revela-
tion treated in their variety and comprehensiveness,
their admonitions enforced in winning and persuasive
words, with manly dignity, Christian simplicity, and
apostolic earnestness ; all who read religious books for
instruction and improvement, to have the heart warm-
ed, and the life corrected, will find Mr. Jay's works a
treasury which will never disappoint them, and which
they will not soon exhaust. Beckford, of Fonthill
Abbe}*, in a passage quoted in an early part of the
Autobiography, compared Mr. Jay's mind to "a clear,
transparent spring, flowing so freely as to impress us
with the idea of its being inexhaustible ;" and such is
but a just description of those volumes which so pow-
erfully affected that versatile and exquisite genius,
considered the most accomplished and keen-sighted
man of his day ; but not him only, for thousands and
tens of thousands, in almost every rank of life, are
daily benefited, and will continue to be benefited, by
the writings of William Jay. We can desiderate for
them no happier or greater, succcess than that which
the man of taste, already mentioned, indicated as their
characteristic " the voico which calls us to look into
ourselves, and prepare for judgment, is too piercing,
too powerful, to be resisted, and we attempt, for worldly
and sensual considerations, to shut our ears in vain."
INDEX.
ABBEY, FONTI-IIU., building of, i. 28.
Ablingtou, first sermon at, i. 43.
Abstinence, total, letter on, i 117.
Academy at Marlborough, i. 14;
students at. i. 48.
Ambassador, anecdote of a young,
i. 43.
Ancestors, remarks on, i. 20.
Anecdotes of his early preaching,
i. 43 ; by Dr. Bowie, i. 277
286; of Airs. Lflph, ii. 233.
Anniversary, fiftieth, i. 227, his
sermon at, i. 228.
Appendix to reminiscences of Wil-
berforce, i. 359366.
Argyle chapel opened, i. 69.
Ash ton, Mrs., death of, i. 263.
Autobiography, general introduc-
tion to. i. 13; reasons for. i. 13 ;
supplement to, i. 204.
Authorship, hi?, i. 119.
Authors, his favorite, i. 137.
Bailie, Dr., consults, i. 115.
Barham, Lord, to Mr. Jay, ii. 170 ;
Mr. Jay to, ii. 172.
Barham, Lady, to Mr. Jay, ii. 178.
Bath, residence at, i. 97 ; Bible So-
ciety, i. 245.
Baxter, opinion of, i. 135.
Beckford, Mr., notices of, i. 30.
Bible Society, Bath, i. 245.
Bible, his study, i. 188 ; adherence
to the, i. 19"2; rales in study-
ing, i. 192.
Bowie, Dr., his recollections of Mr.
Jay, i. 277; letter to, ii. 212.
Carlile, interview with, i. 350.
Cecil, Rev. Richard, ii. 1.
Chapel, first visit to Surrey, i. 51 ;
preaches at Hotwells, i. 66 ;
opening of Hanover Chapel,
P< ckham, i. 126; do. of Lord
Dueie's, i. 251.
Charge, Mr. Winter's, i. 94.
Children, his, i. 104.
Christian Malford, residence at, 1.
52; farewell sermon at, i. 58;
address of Winter, i. 54.
Church, his harmony in. i. 98 ;
mode of admission to, i. 99.
Cogan, Dr., ii. 1 1 3.
Commentators, his favorite, i. 137.
Composition, i. 139.
Confession of Faith, i. 80.
Cou victim!*, change of, i. 184.
Conversion, his, i. 28.
Cottle, Joseph, letter to, by Mr.
Foster, ii. 48.
Course, his, review of, i. 129.
Davies. Mi.ss, introduction to, i. 52 ;
letter to, ii. 135.
Daviea, of New England, sermons,
opinion of. i. 136.
Davis, Dr., ii. 120.
Deacons, letter to, i. 207.
Death of Miss Statira Jay, i. 109 ;
of Mrs. Jay, i. 247 ; of Mrs. Ash-
ton, i. 267 ; his own, i. 267.
Death-bed sayings, i. 267.
Denominations, religious, i. 181;
change of, i. 186 ; his o\vn, i. 187.
Diploma, i. 120.
Disadvantages, early, i. 126.
Dissenters, their progress,!. 181.
Divines, favorite, i. 135.
Domestic sketches, i. 274.
Dublin, visit to, i. 145.
15
338
INDEX.
Ducie, Lady, letters to, ii. 196, &c.
Dueie, Lord, letters to, ii. 202, <fcc. ;
opening of his chapel, i. 251.
Education, contributors to his, 5.
44 ; ministerial, i. 45.
Establishment, the, i. 196.
Expositions at prayer meetings, i.
287.
Faith, his confession of, i. 80.
Family prayer, simplicity of man-
ner, <fcc., i. 275.
Farewell sermon at Christian Mai-
ford, i. 58.
Female servants' offering, i. 249 ;
acknowledgment of do., i. 249.
Fouthill Abbey, works at, i. 28.
Foster, Rev. John, ii. 34 ; letter to
Cottle, ii. 48.
Funeral service, hin, i. 307.
Funeral sermons for Mr. Jay, i. 271.
Gainsborough, Earl of, letter on
Mr. Jay's death, i. 294.
Godwin, H., Esq., at jubilee, i. 237.
Grinfield, Rev. T., letter from, ii.
186; lines by, ii. 187.
Griffiths, H., Esq., i. 208.
Hall, Rev. Robert, ii. 13 ; his opin-
ion of Dr. Owen controverted,
i. 137 ; on use of Scripture lan-
guage, ii. 15 ; on popery, ii. 22.
Hanover chapel, opening of, i. 126.
Harman, Miss, letters to, ii. 163,
170, 185, 188, 190.
Haweis, Rer. T., M.D., ii. 125.
Head, Miss, marriage with, i. 250 ;
letters to, ii. 180, 182, 191.
Hill, Rev. Briant, i. 297.
Hill, Sir Richard, i. 44.
Hill, Rev. Rowland, A.M., i. 389 ;
mistakes of his biographers, i.
390; anecdotes, i. 391 ; his char-
acter and ministry, i. 394 ; his
wit, i. 401 ; his candor, i. 403 ;
benevolence, i. 404; anecdotes
of, 405412.
Holmes, Mr., ii. 55.
Hope Chapel, Hotwells, preaches
at, i. 66.
Hopkins, Mr. Rice, letter to, ii.
1 94 ; hi.s report of Mr. Jay's last
sermon, i. 253.
Hughes, Rev. Jos., ii. 24.
Button, Alderman, Dublin, i. 146.
Illness, Mrs. Jays, i. Ill; pecu-
liarity of, i. 112; his own, i. 1 14 ;
his last, i. 277.
Institutions, the public, i. 200.
Interment, address at his, i. 268.
Invitations, to London, i. 52 ; Bath,
i.97.
Ireland, visit to, i. 145.
Jay, Mr. Edward, letters to, ii.
155. 167, 168.
Jay, Statira, letters to, ii. 144
153; deaih of, i. 109.
Jay, Mrs., her character, i. 103 ;
letters to, ii. 140, 141 ; illness
of, i. 112; her death, i. 246.
Jay, Rev. William, as the preacher,
ii. 285; as the author, ii. 813;
anecdotes of, i. 43 ; illness of, i.
114; death of, i. 267.
Jay, William, Jun., death of, i. 107.
Johns. Rev. Dr., recollections of
Mr. Jay, i. 252.
Jubilee, celebration of, i. 226 : ser-
mon at, i. 227 ; presentation, and
his reply, i. 230 236 ; com-
memorative pillars, i. 237 ; ad-
dress of young people, with gold
medal, and his acknowledgment,
i. 239, 240 ; James Montgom-
ery's hymns for, i. 242 ; gift of
female servants, and acknowl-
edgment of, i. 249.
Kiugsbury, Thomas, Esq., letter
to, i. 209.
Knightoii, Sir William, Bart., his
opinion of Jay's preaching, i.
223.
Knox, Alexander, Esq., i. 383.
Language, scriptural, objectors to,
i. 166: defence of, 1169.
Lecturing, Scottish custom of, i
155.
INDES.
339
Lace, Miss, i. 297.
Letters from Winter t Jay, ii.
136; to his daughter, ii. 144
153 ; to his son at college, ii.
155159, 165 ; to Sir J. B. Wil-
liams, ii. 161 ; to Rammolnm
Eoy, ii. 167; to Miss Harman,
ii. 163, 170, 185, 188, 190 ; from
Lord Barhain, ii. 1 7 1 ; from Lady
Barbara, ii. 178 ; to the Queen,
ii. 179; Miss Head, ii. 180, 182,
191 ; from Rev. T. Grinfield, ii.
186 ; to Mr. Rice Hopkins, ii.
194; to Lord Dueie, ii. 202; to
Lady Ducie, ii. 196, 198, 200,
204, 205, 208, 209; from J.
Montgomery, Esq., i. 244 ; from
Earl of Gainsborough, i. 294 ;
from Mr. Wilberforce, i. 823,
843_347, 363366 ; from Mrs.
H. More, i. 385.
Liberality, growth of, i. 197.
Life, his early, i. 25.
London, invitations to settle in, i.
52.
London Miss'y Society, preaches
at its first anniversary, <fec., i.
205.
Malford, Christian, residence at, i.
52 ; farewell sermon and ad-
dress of Mr. Winter, i. 54 65.
Marlborougb Academy, admission
into, i. 44 ; list of students, i.
48.
Marriage, his first, i. 99 ; his sec-
ond, i. 250.
Masses, preaching to, i. 156.
Maxwell, Lady, introduction to, i.
66 ; reminiscences of, ii. 50.
Methodism at Tisbury, i. 27.
Methodist, ease, <fec., i. 160.
Missionary Society. (See London.)
Montgomery, James, Esq., Jubilee
Hymns, i. 242 ; letter f j$n a i,
244. '
More, Mrs. H., ady^v 1 *Q h.TO> V
140; remin.ig^e.es, of; i'. 367;
her evag*.lSsm,' I &68'; attend-
an.Q at ^fgyle" chapel, \. S09 ;
*it the 'Lord's table, i. Q9 ; her
character, i. 370; last letter from,
i. 385 ; lines to Miss Steele, i.
386.
Newall, Mr., letter to, ii. 143.
Newton, Rev. John, i. 303 ; anec-
dotes of, i. 305 308 ; his can-
dor and liberality, i. 310; his
connection with Cowper, i. 312;
attachment to his wife, i. 314 ;
the closing scene, i. 316 ; letter
to Mrs. Wathen, i. 318 ; ditto to
Mrs. H , i. 321.
Observations, concluding, by edi-
tors, on Mr. Jay as a preacher,
ii. 285 ; as an author, ii. 313.
Offering, female servants', i. 249 ;
acknowledgment of, i. 249.
Ordination service, i. 74.
Owen, Dr. Robert Hall's opinion
of him controverted,!. 137.
Owen, Rev. Jno. at interment, i.
268.
Oxford University, proposal to go
to, i. 44.
Parentage, i. 19.
Pastoral assistant,!. 149 294.
Pastorate, 50th anniversary of, i.
227 ; jubilee of, i. 226 ; resigna-
tion of and acceptance by the
church, i. 257 ; choice of success-
or to, i. 258.
Pastoral visiting, complaints, i.
171 ; his explanation,!. 171.
Pearce, Rev. Sam., ii. 7.
Pedigrees, remarks on, i. 19.
Pillars, commemorative, i. 237.
Pindar, Peter, lines to, i. 387.
Poynder, Jno., Esq., i\, },
Prayer, family, simplicity in, i. 275.
Prayer meetings, expositions at, i.
287.
Preach.er, the, Mr. Jay, reviewed
by editors, i\. 285.
Preachers, faults of Scottish, i. 161.
Preaching, village, i. 43 ; on fre-
quent, i.' 4S ; early, i. 44 ; anec-
dotes in, i. 143 ; extemporaneous,
i. 158; to the masses, i. 158
340
INDEX.
union of styles in, i. 161 ; long,
i. 161; similitudes iu, i. 164;
American revival, i. 166.
Presentations, landaulet, &c., i.
227, 239.
Protheroe, Miss Eliza, ii. 82.
Publication*, his, i. 1 20.
Pulpit, preparation for his, i. 156 ;
state of the, i. 150.
Quean, the, letter to, -with copy of
the " Exercises," ii. 179.
Rarnmohuu Roy, ii. 94 ; letter to,
ii. 161.
Reading, his course of, i. 134.
Reasons for Autobiography, i. IS.
Rebellion, the Irish, i. 1-16.
Recollections, by Dr. Johns, i. 252;
by Dr. Bowie, i. 277.
Religious denominations, i. 181;
change of, i. 186 ; his own, i. 1S7.
Remarks, general, on pedigrees,
(fee., i. 19 ; frequent preaching, i.
43, 144; on Scottish custom of
lecturing, i. 155.
Reminiscences, the introduction to,
i. 297.
Reminiscences of Cecil, Rev.
Richard, ii. 1 ; Oogan, Dr., ii.
113; Davies, Dr., ii. 120; Fos-
ter, Rev. John. ii. 34; Hall, Kev.
Robert, ii. 13 ; Haweis, Rev. T.,
M.D., ii. 125; Hill, Rev. Row-
land, A.M., i. oS'J ; Holmes, Mr.,
ii. 55 ; Hughes, Rev. Joseph, ii.
24; Maxwell, Lady, ii. 50 ; More,
Mrs. II. i. 367; Newton, Rev.
John, i. 303 ; Pearce. Rev. Sam-
uel, ii. 7 ; Poyndor, John, Esq.,
ii. 81 ; Protherop. Mi*s Eliza, ii.
82; Rammohuu Roy, ii. 94 ; Ry-
laud, Rev. John, Sen., A.M., i.
323; Smith, Mrs., ii. 86; Spear,
Robert, Esq., ii. 75 ; Tuppen,
Rev. Thomas, ii. 102; Welsh,
Mr., ii. 64 ; Wesley, Rev. John,
ii. 50; "Wilberforce, "Wm., Esq.,
M.P., i. 336 : Yescombe, Mr., ii.
109.
Resignation a ? mstorate, i. 25 1.
Review, Monthly, remarks of, i.
121.
Review, by himself, of his course,
i. 128 ; of his visits to London, i.
143; of his life, i. 178; of state
of religion, i. 193.
Review, by the editors, of Mr. Jay
as a preacher and an author, ii.
285.
Ryland, Rev. John, A.M.. first in-
terview with, i. 52 ; reminiscence
of, i. 323; his singular appear-
ance, i. 324; eccentricity, i. 326-
7; at domestic -worship, i. 32S ;
anecdotes of, i. 331 ; his death, i.
333 ; his feayiugb, i. 335.
Scenery, early effects of, i. 23.
Scenes, the closing, i. 263
Scotland, visit to, i. 149.
Sermon, first, at Abington, i. 43 ;
farewell, at Christian Mai ford, i.
58 ; at opening of Argyle Chapel,
i. 69 ; his fiftieth anniversary, i.
227 ; jubilee, i. 227 ; last in Ar-
gyle Chapel, i. 255- the last he
preached, i. 250.
Sermons, first vol. of, i. 120 ; criti-
cisms on, i. 163; defence of his
. method, i. 166.
Servants' offering, and acknowl-
edgment, i. 249.
Service, ordination, address prefix-
ed to, i. 74.
Sketches, domestic, i. 274.
Smith. Mrs., ii. 86.
Society, Evangelical, for Ireland,
i 146.
Spear, Robert. Esq., ii.75.
Staura Jay, letters to, ii. 144
153; death of, i. 109.
Steel, Mitis, lines by Mrs. More to,
i. 386.
Slouehouse, Sir James, i. 384.
Siuart, Dr. Charles, letter from, i.
153; intercourse and apology,
i. 154.
Students in Murlborough Acade-
my, list of, i. 48.
Study, methods of, i. 138.
Successor, choice of, i, 258.
INDEX.
341
Surrey Chapel, first visit to, i, 51.
Sussex, Duke of, preaches before,
i. 126,
Teetotalism, approbation of, i. 117.
Temperance, advantages of, i. 118.
Thornton, Jno., Esq., brief notice
of, i. 44.
Tisbury, Methodism at, i. 27 ; Win-
ter preaches at. i. 35.
Tuppen, Rev. Thos., acquaintance
with, i. 68; preaches during his
illness, i. 68; Argyle Chapel
built for, i. 69 ; dying chain bur
of, i. 73 ; reminiscence of, ii.
102; death of his son, ii. 107.
Turner, Mrs., noticed by, i. 27.
Ulph, Mrs., her conversion, ii. 233.
Union of two styles in preaching,
i. 153.
University, Oxford, proposal to go
to, i. 44.
Usefulness, the preacher's aim, i.
145.
Vaughan, Rev. R. A., assistant
minister, i. 251.
Village preaching, i. 4 3.
Visits, to London, i. 129 ; to Ire-
land, i. 145 , to Scotland, i. 149.'
Visiting, pastoral, complaints, i.
171 ; his explanation, i. 171.
Walker, .Tno., Dublin, notice of, i.
147.
Welsh, Mr., ii. 64.
Wesley, Rev. John, ii. 50.
Westley, Miss, i. 297.
Whitfield, converts of, i. 200 ; an-
ecdotes of, i. 392.
Wilberforce, Win., Esq., M.P., ad-
vice to Mr. Jay, i. 115; opinion
of him, i. 230 ; reminiscence of,
i. 336 ; his religious preferences,
i. 837 ; letters from, i. 338
847 ; on Catholic emancipation,
i. 344; interview with Carlile
the infidel, i. 350 ; his character,
i. 356 ; additional letters from,
i. 363 366 ; comments on his
" Life," i. 359.
Williams, Sir J. B., letter to, ii. 161.
Winter, Mr., visit to Tidbm-y, i. 34;
Mr. Jay introduced (o, i. 85 ; his
faith for pecuniary support, i.
36 ; his academy, i. 37 ; his stu-
dents, i. 48 ; address prefixed to
Jay's farewell sermon at Chris-
tian Malford, i. 54; charge at
Mr. Jay's ordination, i. 74 ; let-
ter to Jay from, ii. 1 36.
Withers, Mr., letter to, ii. 138.
Wright, Sir James, i. 297.
Yescombe, Mr., reminiscence of,
ii. 109.
285 Broadway, New York, :
Oct. 1, 1854.
EGBERT CARTER & BROTHERS 1
3tt * to 1 it H u a t i <nt 3,
Paley's Evidences of Christianity.
A new edition, with Notes and additional chapters, by Prof. Narine.
1 2mo.
More Worlds than One ;
THE CREED OF THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE HOPE OF THE CHRISTIAN.
By Sir David Brewster. 16mo. 60 cents.
" With a gracefulness of rhetoric that imparts a charm to the researches of science,
the learned author here examines and refutes the recently-started theory that
there are no other inhabited worlds than our own, a theory which the writer re-
gards as opposed to reason and divine revelation. It ia a beautiful treatise, and
will richly reward perusal." jV. Y. Observer.
"He not only establishes the doctrine that there are 'more worlds than one,' but,
by a strong and well-wrought chain of analogical reasoning, shows the high prob-
ability that the worlds lhat float over our heads so grandly and gloriously are in-
habited by races of sentient and intelligent beings, adapted to the spheres they
occupy, and capable of enjoyment." Richmond Christian Advocate.
Gratitude : an Exposition of the
OIII. Psalm.
By the Rev. John Stevenson, author of "Christ on the Cross: an
Exposition of the XXII. Psalm," and the "Lord our Shepherd: an
Exposition of the XXIII. Psalm." 12mo. 75 cents.
k - A popular Exposition of the 103d Psalm has been published under the appropri-
ate title of ' Gratitude,' by the Rev. John Stevenson, whose beautiful little work
'The Lord our Shepherd,' will be remembered. Its style is simple, its views of
truth sound, and its spirit earnest. Its sweet and impressive truths cannot be medi-
tated upon by the devout heart without pleasure and spiritual profit." Evangelist.
Tender Grass, for Little Lambs.
By the Rev. 0. W. Bolton, author of the " Shepherd's Call," &c.
Square. Illustrated. 50 cents.
A most attractive book for the little reader.
a
CARTEBS' PUBLICATIONS.
Discourses on Truth.
By J. H. Thonrwell, D.D., President of South Carolina College,
Columbia, S. C. 12mo.
Quarles' Emblems.
EMBLEMS, DIVINE AND MORAL. By Francis Quarles. Illustrated.
16mo. $1.
" The quaint, suggestive, and beautiful Emblems of Quarles are here produced in
a handsome volume, full of wisdom and sanctified wit, and impressive with the
most spiritual and earnest views of Divine truth." Evangelist.
May Dundas ;
Or, PASSAGES FROM YOOTG LIFE. By Mrs. Thomas G-eldart.
" Mrs. Geldart writes as one who understands and loves children as all who
write for children should write in a gentle, pleasant style. Parents may safely
trust the hearts as well as the minds of their children to her custody."
The Foresters, A Tale.
By Professor Wilson, author of the "Lights and Shadows of Scottish
Life." 12mo. 75 cents.
Fritz Harold ; or, the Temptation.
From the German, with Additions and Alterations by Mrs. Sarah
A. Myers. Illustrated. IGrno. 60 cents.
A capital book for boys, and one which they will peruse with unbounded de-
light.
Florence Egerton ; or, Sunshine and
Shadow.
By the author of " Clara Stanley." Illustrated. 16mo. 75 cents.
"An affecting story for young readers, showing the beauty of piety and the fine
moral eflects of stedfast adhesion to duty. The heroine attracts the reader's
sympathy by the simplicity of her character, while her life contains a rich and
useful lesson." Evanffelijt.
By the same Author,
Clara Stanley ; or, a Summer among
the Hills.
18mo. 50 cents.
Aunt Edith. A Story.
6
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Vara ; or, the Child of Adoption.
The Fifth Thousand, with four new Illustrations. 12mo. $1 00.
" It is a deeply interesting story. We hope every novel-reading young lady will
procure and attentively read it. She will be made wiser and better by so doing,
and will find it contains all the interest of the wildest romance." Pin. Herald.
" Its incidents are graphically and naturally told." Hampshire Herald.
" There has no volume fallen into our hands for years with which we have been
more interested ' Sandy Hill Herald.
"The writer is equally at home amid the picturesque scenes of the Pacific Isles,
and the more familiar events of an American dwelling." Southern Baptist.
" Ail affecting story." Jcffersonian.
"A charming story: we read it with unbounded satisfaction." Lit. Standard.
" Vara is of the same type as the gentle Eva." Democrat.
"After perusing ' Varsi' the heart seems hallowed with a holy spirit." Mercan-
tile Guide.
" One of the most charming books we have read in a long time, written in a most
attractive style, and inculcating valuable Christian lessons." Religious Herald.
"The tale is told in a strain of unaffected simplicity.'' Msmoncan.
" It is not often we become so deeply absorbed in a volume as we did in this
book." St. Louis Presbyterian.
Jeanie Morrison ; or, the Discipline of
Life.
By the author of the " Pastor's Family." Illustrated. IGnio. 75 cts.
A most fascinating, as well as instructive tale the history of a little girl born in a
primeval forest of the Great West who, by the death of both her parents, while
yet an infant, was thrown friendless upon the world. But the prayers of a pious
mother on her behalf were answered ; and she was well cared for by an excellent
couple who adopted her as their daughter. The various trials lo which she was
exposed on the death of her kind guardians, and the power of Christian principle
in sustaining her under them, are most sirikingly illustrated in this beautiful
narrative.
The Pastor's Family.
By the author of "Jeanie Morrison." ISmo. 25 cents.
"What an unpretending title; and yet what a history of joys and sorrows, trials
and comforts, sunshine and shade, is gathered within its gilded covers. It is a
painting of which there are many copies, variously colored, but all real and
truthful in the history of ministerial life." Christian Advocate.
The Brother and Sister ; or, the "Way of
Peace.
By the author of " G-race Dermott." 18mo. 50 cents. ->*
c
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Infidelity ;
ITS ASPECTS, CAUSES, AND AGENCIES. By Thomas Pearson, Eyemouth,
f Scotland. 8vo. $2. Cheap edition, 12mo, 60 cents.
41 He writes like one thoroughly familiar with his ground ; he has the confidence
of one who has examined well the strength and manceuvrings of the enemy ; who
also knows well his own resources, and has no hesitation as to the side toward
which victory will finally turn. He shows an uncommon degree of judgment
and strong common sense. We feel assured that ministers and intelligent lay-
men generally, will read this work with no common interest." Presbyterian.
" This work is written in a masterly style of argument, and with a beauty, as well
as power of language, which makes it an eminently readable book." Observer.
" We have no hesitation, without knowing anything of the author except from
this work, in assigning to him a place among the most philosophical and dis-
criminating minds of the age." Puritan Recorder.
Jaqueline Pascal ;
Or, A GLIMPSE OF CONTENT LIFE AT PORT ROYAL. "With an Intro-
duction fay W. R. Williams, D.D. 12mo. $1.
" Jaqueline Pascal, the younger sister of the renowned Blaise Pascal, was a woman
of surprising powers, of remarkable feminine attractions, and intellect and dis-
position in no respect inferior to her celebrated brother. The work before us
gives a most delightful picture of this wonderful woman of her sister, their emi-
nent brother, and the members and connections of the family."
*The Self-Explanatory Reference Bible.
8vo. Half calfj $4 50. Turkey morocco $6. Morocco gilt, $6 50.
" The peculiarity of the edition is, that the marginal references are printed out in
full t occupying the middle column of the page, so that, without the trouble of
hunting out a reference, tfie eye may at once compare it with the text. This is a
positive advantage, both for exposition in the family, for the preparation of the
Bible Lessons, and for the purposes of the student. The type is clear, the paper
good, and the whole page beautiful." Independent.
*The Evidences of Christianity,
AS EXHIBITED IN THE WRITINGS OF ITS APOLOGISTS DOWN TO AlTGUS-
TINE. A Prize Essay. By W. J. Bolton. 8vo. 75 cents
Wardlaw on Miracles.
12mo. Price 75 cents.
The Missionary of Kilmany.
18mo. Price 40 cents.
CARTEKS' PUBLICATIONS.
History of the Westminster Assembly of
Divines.
By "Win. M. Hetherington, D.D. 12mo. 75 cents.
The Clarernont Tales ;
Or, ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BEATITUDES. 18mo, with cuts. 60 cts.
A New Edition of the
Life and Times of John Calvin.
By Paul Henry. 2 vols. in one. Price $2.
John Howard ;
Or, THE PRISON WORLD OF EUROPE. By Hepworth Dixon. New
edition. 16mo. 75 cents.
The Lamp and the Lantern ;
Or, LIGHT FOR THE TENT AND THE TRAVELLER. By the Rev. James
Hamilton, D.D. 18mo. 40 cents.
" It is in Dr. Hamilton's best vein, and leaves a vivid impression of the grandeur,
worth, adaptedness, and beauty of the Bible." JVezo York Evangelist.
Jacobus on the G-ospels.
Vol. I., MATTHEW. Vol. II., MARK AND LUKE. Each, 75 cents.
*The Scripture Testimony to the Messiah.
By John Pye Smith, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. English edition. $5.
Waters from the Well-spring.
By the Rev. E. H. Bickersteth. 16mo. Price 60 cents.
Evenings with Mamma.
Square, Illustrated,
CASTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Howell's Remains.
Hewittson's Letters and Remains.
2 vols.
Words to Win Souls.
Lectures to Young Men.
Delivered in London before the Young Men's Christian Association.
Bicker steth's Works.
16 vols. 12mo.
De Costa' s Israel and the Gentiles.
Hours of Devotion.
Prom the German of Tholuck.
The Last Journey.
By the author of " Morning and Night "Watches."
Cowper's Task.
Illustrated, by Birket Foster. 8vo. (Preparing.)
Matthew Henry's Miscellaneous Works.
2 vols. Eoyal Svo. (Preparing.)
Malan's Switzerland.
Watson's Body of Divinity.
8vo.
A JSTew Edition of Henry's Commentary.
In 6 vols. Quarto. Large type. (Preparing.)
Alford's Greek Testament.
Preparing.
Fletcher's Addresses.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Siorks of % lUii. foljit ^tujell
The Young Man's Friend,
AND GrUIDE THROUGH LlFE TO IMMORTALITY. 75 cents.
The Young Woman's Friend,
AND GUIDE THROUGH LIFE TO IMMORTALITY. 16mo. 75 cents.
The Christian Father's Present to
his Children.
75 cents.
Christian Duty.
A SERIES OF PASTORAL ADDRESSES. 16mo. 75 cents.
Christian Professor.
16mo. 75 cents.
The Widow Directed to the Widow's God.
ISmo. 30 cents.
Christian Progress.
ISrno. 30 cents.
The Anxious Inquirer Directed.
18mo. 30 cents.
The True Christian.
30 cents.
The Course of Faith;
OR, THE PRACTICAL BELIEVER DELINEATED. 75 cents.
Young Man from Home.
18mo. 30 cents.
9
CARTER^' PUBLICATIONS.
tf % |jUir. lEiUiam $aj>
The Autobiography and Eeminiscences
of the Rev. William Jay.
2 vols. Royal 12 mo. $
This most interesting work includes, in addition to the Autobiography,
sketches of "Wilberforce, Cecil, Rowland Hill, Hannah More, and
many other of Mr. Jay's contemporaries.
Female Scripture Characters.
Royal 12mo. $1.
" By all sincere Christian women the world over, this volume will be regarded as
a spiritual treasure." Presbyterian.
" They will be found unusually interesting in style and spirit, as well as in the skill
and beauty of their portraiture, wise in their counsel, and excellent in their influ-
ence worthy the fame of the distinguished author." Evangelist.
"They bear all those characteristics of both mind and heart which have rendered
all his productions at once so popular and so useful." Jlrgus.
The Morning and Evening Exercises.
A new edition, on large type, in four volumes, royal 12mo.
Price $4
" This is a new edition of an excellent practical work, beautifully printed on large
and fair type, and bound in cloth. The execution of these volume is in the best
style, entitling them to a preference before all other editions. As the work is highly
appreciated on both sides of the Atlantic, it is sufficient to say that we know of
nothing more pure and scriptural in sentiment, nothing more elevated and devo-
tional in spirit, nothing more simple and beautiful, than the reflections on the
lessons from the Bible contained in this book." Christian Observer.
" We doubt whether any work of modern times has been more blessed to the edi-
fication of God's people than Jay's Exercises. It has been the closet companion
of tens of thousands of earnest Christians in all parts of the world, kindling anew
within their hearts, with each day, the flame of devotion; instructing, cheering,
and comforting them on their heavenward \vay."~Presl>yterian.
The Same "Work.
On smaller type, in 2 vols. $1 50.
The Christian Contemplated,
IK A SERIES OF LECTURES. 18mo. 40 centa
h
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
The "Woodcutter of Lebanon and the
Exiles of Lucerna.
By the author of "Morning and Night Watches. 18mo.
Mabel Grant
A Highland Story. By Randall Ballantyne. 18mo. 50 cents.
Charles Roussel ; or, Honesty and
Industry.
By the author of " Three Months under the Snow." 18mo. 40 cents.
The Eternal Day.
By the Rev. Horatius Bonar. 18mo. 50 cents.
"This book is written and published for the joy and strength of those who are look-
ing forward to an eternal day in heaven. The discussion is scriptural and full of
unction and power. Many a weary pilgrim will read it with intense interest, and
receive a new impulse in his journey toward that better land." Ch. Clironicle.
Is it Possible to make the Best of Both
Worlds ?
By the Rev. T. Binney. 16mo. 60 cents.
" We wish that all apprentices, and young men entering on business, could be in-
duced to procure and study this book. The happy results of future years would
be the reward of attending to its counsels." Banner.
Also a supply of the London edition of
Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton.
A STUDY FOE YOUNG MEN. By the same author. 16mo. 50 cents.
The Words of Jesus.
By the author of the " Morning and Night Watches." 16mo. 40 cts.
" They are like the precious words that introduce them, of a most tender and con-
solatory character, and especially adapted to strengthen the heart o the weary
pilgrim." Puritan Recorder.
Daniel, a Model for Young Men.
By the Rev. W. A. Scott, D.D. 8vo. $1 50.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
r.f
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Illustrated in a series of Expositions. By John Brown, D.D.
2 vols. Svo. 4.
" Where several conflicting opinions of the learned are detailed, his discrimination
is admirable ; when his own interpretation is given, it is set forth witli so much
clearness, and appears so reasonable, that the reader will seldom feel disposed to
withhold his assent. As an able expositor clear, candid, comprehensive
Dr. Brown is unrivalled among British divines." Kilto.
The Right of the Bible in the Common
Schools.
By George B. Chcever, D.D. IGino. 75 cents.
" It is a question which in its decision is to influence the happiness, the temporal
and eternal welfare of one hundred millions of human beings." Daniel Webster.
By the same Author,
The Powers of the World to Come, and
the Church's Stewardship, as invested
with them.
12mo. Price $1.
" He makes the realities of the invisible world take on a living and substantial
character. We seem to be in contact with the sublime scenes of the judgment,
to breathe the air of the upper Paradise, and to listen to the waitings of the rep-
robate. If we were to characterize this work in a single word, we would say that
it is a work of power." Puritan Recorder.
" This is a solemn c.nd stirring book. Many of the pages sparkle with gems of the
richest lustre." Watchman and Observer.
By Dr. John Brown,
Sufferings and Glories of the Messiah ;
An Exposition of Psalm xviii. and Isaiah Hi. 13 ; liii. 12.
" It is the ripe fruit of thirty years study of the deeply interesting passages on which
it is founded. The learned author has spared no pains to make his examination
thorough and satisfactory." St. Louis Presbyterian.
Abbeokuta ;
Or, Sunrise in the Tropics. An Outline of the Origin and Progress
of the Yoruba Mission. By Misa Tucker, author of " The Rain-
bow in the North." Illustrated. 16mo. To c^nts.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
- Scotia's Bards.
1 Comprising the choicest productions of Scottish Poets, Illustrated
with more than fifty elegant engravings in the highest style of
the art, with Frontispiece and Vignette by Ritchie. 8vo. Cloth,
$3 ; full gilt, 4 ; Turkey Morocco, $6 50.
" Scotland, rich in the treasures of Theology, History, and Philosophy, here stands
before us with their long array of Poets, such as any country might be proud to
acknowledge as its own." Watchman awl Reflector.
" An elegant volume, in the very best style of execution." Clirs. Intelligencer.
" It is enriched with the most brilliant and costly poetic gems, from the mines of
that land, which has been as fruitful in minstrels as in metaphysicians, heroes,
and martyrs." Presbyterian.
" This fine large octavo volume, printed in beautiful style, and enriched with many
choice engravings, containing, we believe, the first extended collection of the best
productions of the Scottish poets, that has ever been made. It cannot fail to be
acceptable to all who can appreciate the finest creations of genius." Argus.
" We predict that as ' Scotia's Bards' is one of the most superb books of the sea-
son, so it will be one of the most popular also." T. C. L.
"A most excellent taste and judgment are displayed in the selection of this vol-
ume, and the biographical and critical notices prefixed to the poems, are happily
written, in a chaste and simple style ; the illustrations of the work will combine
with its intrinsic value, to render it one of the most attractive of the season."
Independent.
Family Prayers.
By the Author of " Morning and Wight Watches." *15 cents.
These prayers are conceived in a .truly evangelical spirit, and are remarkable for
the appropriate introduction of Scripture language. Besides morning and even-
ing prayers for four weeks, there are a number of prayers designed for, and well
adapted to as many different occasions. Those who are accustomed to use forms
of any kind, will find this an excellent auxiliary to their family devotions.
Memoir of Richard Williams.
Surgeon. Catechist to the Patagonian Mission. By James Hamilton,
D.D. 16mo. 75 cents.
"In all the history of Gospel Missions there is nothing that possesses such a fear-
ful interest as that of the English Missionaries to Patagonia, the terrible sufferings
and starvation of a portion of whom created such a shock a year or two ago.
The subject of this memoir was the surgeon and catechist of that devoted band,
and it is chiefly made up of his journal, which was continued by his own hand
so long as he was able to put pen to paper. The annals of martyrdom contain
few stories c f a Christian heroism more noble than his and that of his associates."
Bulletin.
Christian Progress.
A sequel to the " Anxious Enquirer." By the Rev. Jolri Augel James^
ISrno. SO cents,
b
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
The Law and the Testimony;
By the Author of the " Wide, Wide World," fee. 8vo, second thou-
sand. Cloth, $3 ; half calf, $4.
" This u a great book, and manifestly the result of labor, patient and long contin-
ued. It is a complete collection, or at least a very extensive one, of all the pas-
sages in the Bible having a bearing upon particular specified subjects or points
of doctrine, such as the Divine Nature, Divinity of the Saviour, God's Omnis-
cience, Sovereignty and Justice, Christ's Office, Office of the Holy Spirit, Man's
Freedom and Fall, Nature and Consequences of Sin, Nature of Faith, Repentance,
Salvation, Judgment, Heaven and Hell, &c A remarkable book, one that
will take the shelf by the side of the most elaborate tomes and learned works of
distinguished divines. The author has already acquired a. wide reputation by
two works of lighter literature, ; Queecny' and the ' Wide, Wide World ;' but the
' Law and the Testimony,' we imagine, will be her most enduring work." U. S.
Jaurnal.
" We welcome it as a fresh and worthy aid to the examination of the pure word
of God." Watchman.
" A delightful handmaid to the perusal and right understanding of the meaning,
force, fulness, and harmony of the sacred text." Spectator.
" A most valuable aid to all those who revere and study the ScripMires, as the only
rule of faith and practice." Pbn. of West.
" We commend this volume with all our heart. The Sabbath School Teacher needs
it. Parents may well lay it 011 the table of the new married daughter. And aged
Christians, as they follow on through these clear and well printed pages, will re-
joice to find the foundation of their hope standing so strong." T. L. C.
" We can commend it as a volume of great convenience in the study of the Sacred
volume, and especially to the Ministers of the Gospel in their preparations for
the pulpit." Pbn. Herald.
Now completed, by the publication of the eighth and last volume,
Daily Bible Illustrations :
Being ORIGINAL PLEADINGS FOR A TEAR on Subjects from Sacred His-
tory, Biography, Geography, Antiquities, and Theology. Especially
designed for the Family Circle. By John Kitto, D.D.
Morning Series : Vol. I. THK ANTEDILUVIANS AND PATRIARCHS, Fourth Edi-
tion ; Vol. II. MOSES AND THE JUDGES, Second Edition ; Vol. III. SAMUEL, SAUL,
and DAVID, Second Edition ; Vol. IV. SOLOMON AND THE KINGS, Second Edition.
Evening Scries .-Vol. I. JOB AND THE POETICAL BOOKS ; Vol. II. ISAIAH AND
THE PROPHETS ; Vol. HI. LIFE AND DEATH OF OUR LORD ; Vol. IV. THE APOS-
TLES AND EARLY CHURCH.
Each Volume is sold separately, price $1 each.
u One of the best books of the kind. Dr. Kilto brings to each reading curious
learning, real information, and close argument, conveyed in a solid style."
Spectator.
"The series is admirable." Evangelical Christendom.
" For family reading, these Illustrations are inestimable." Baptist Magazine,
* We should wish to see this most useful work in every house." Church of
England Magazine.
C
J_^
IK,
"UBLTSHED BY
ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS,
285 BROADWAY, NEW YOKK.
ABERCROMBIE (JOHN, M.D.) The Contest and the Armor;
to which is added, Think on these Things. 32mo. "25 cents.
ADAMS (THOMAS) The Three Divine Sisters 5 or, Faith,
Hope, and Charity. With an Introduction by the Rev. W. H.
STOWELL, Rotherham. 60 cents.
" With the eye of a poet, the heart of a saint, and the tongue of an orator, he
gives substance to abstractions, personifies the virtues, paints the beauties of
holiness, and brings to the ear the voices of the distant and the dead."
Advice to a Young Christian, on the Importance of aiming
at an elevated standard of Piety. By a Village Pastor. With
an Introductory Essay by the Rev. Dr. ALEXANDER. 18 mo.
30 cents.
ALLEINE (Rev. JOSEPH) G-ospel Promises. Being a short
view of the great and precious promises of the Gospel. ISmo.
30 cents.
Life and Letters of the Rev. Joseph Alleine. 60 cts.
ALEXANDER (Rev. A., D.D.) Counsels of the Aged to the
Young. 32mo, gilt. 25 cents.
Ancient History Containing the History of the Egyptians,
Assyrians, Chaldeans, Medes, Lydians, Carthaginians, Persians,
Macedonians, the Seleucidse in Syria, and Parthiaus. In 4 vols.
1 2mo. $2.
ANDERSON (CHRISTOPHER) The Annals of the English
Bible, revised, abridged, and continued by Rev. SAMUEL IKENJEUS
PRIME. 8vo. $1 75.
" The thrilling and providential history of our version of the Holy Scriptures,
fron its translation by Tyndale, in 1524, down to its final revisions and emen-
dal: ns at the close of the last century ; the martyr fate of its early friends,
,
and the desperate struggle through which it passed and in which it triumphed,
are in these most interesting pages fully recorded." Zioii's JHerald.
GARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
ANDERSON (CHRISTOPHER) The Family Book ; or, the Genius '
and Design of the Family Constitution. 12mo. 75 cents.
' \Ve were not aware, before perusing his book, how abundantly the family
stale is recognized in the Bible, and how much of our inspired instructions
are founded on our domestic relations." O'userocr.
ANiLSY (Miss C.) Earlswood, a Tale of the Times. 12mo. 75 cts.
"This tale illustrates with great ingenuity the fearfully erratic tendencies that
have been developed in latter years in the Church of England, and the par-
amount importance of a return to the simplicity of Gospel tru'h and Gospel
usages. The characters are sustained with much spirit and interest, the style
is simple and natural, and the general effect of the work highly favorable to
vital and p-'actical godliness." Puritan Recorder.
Australia A Narrative of the Loss of the Brig Australia, by Fire.
Edited by the Rev. JAMES R. MC&AVJX. ISmo. 25 cents.
Assembly's Catechism of the Westminster Divines. $1 25 per
hundred.
BAGJ-STER The Semiineness, Authenticity, and Inspiration
of the Sacred Volume. By the Editor of Bagster's Compre-
hensive Bible. 12mo. 60 cents.
BAXTER (RICHARD) The Saints' Everlasting Rest. 12rao,
large type. 60 cents.
A Call to the Unconverted; and other Essays. ISrno. 30 cts.
Bible Companion; designed for the assistance of Bible classes,
families, and young students of the Scriptures. With an Intro-
duction by Dr. TYNG. ISmo. 40 cents.
Bible Bxpositor; Confirmations of the Truth of the Holy Scrip-
tures, from the observations of recent travelers, illustrating the
manners, customs, and places mentioned in Scripture. ISmo.
50 cents.
"Tiiis volume contains much interesting information in regard to almost every
tiling peculiar to the habits and customs of oriental nations."
BICEERSTETH (Rev. EDWARD) A Treatise on Prayer, de-
signed to assist in a devout discharge of that duty. ISrno. 40 cr.s.
A Treatise on the Lord's Supper. Vvith an Introduction,
Notes, and an Essay by the Hev. G. T. BEDKLL, D.D. Sixth
Edition. ISmo. 30 cents.
(EDWARD HJCNIIY, A.M.) Waters from the Well-Spring",
for the Sabbath hours of Afflicted Believers ; a series of Medita- 'V
'}' tions. 16mo. 60 cents. T
* T
of Childhood By the author of the "Broken Bud." b )
16mo. 75 cents. ~V,
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
t>
BLUNT'S Undesigned Coincidences in the Writings both of the
Old and Ne~w Testaments, an Argument of their veracity. With
Paley's Hone Paulina;, or the Truth of the Scripture History of
St. Paul Evinced. Svo. 2.
"A work of great value, and one which must attract the attention of ever stu-
dent of the Scriptures. The novelty of the investigation, the success ,fith
which it is prosecuted, and the confirmation it elicits, will impress the mind
of any one who will give it an examination." Observer.
BOGAT2KY (C. V. H.) A Golden Treasury for the Children
of God. 24mo. 50 cents.
"This book consists of devout reflectioi. -or every day hi the year. It is full
of truth, and wisdom, and piety. It is a fitting companion for the Christian's
closet."
BOLTON (Rev. C. W.) A Shepherd's Call to the Lambs of
his Flock. Square, illustrated. 50 cents.
" This is one of the most perfect religious books for children that we have ever
seen. It contains six pointed lectures, so illustrated and exemplified that
they are like stories for a child easily understood and with a most obvious
aim. Children will read and re-read them with delight, and its excellent
teachings will be likely to be so thoroughly impressed upon their minds as to
be obvious in their manners." Newark Daily Ailv.
BONAR (Rev. HORATIUS) The Night of Weeping; or, Words
for the Suffering Family of God. ISmo. 30 cents.
The Morning of Joy , a Sequel to the " Night of Weeping."
ISmo. 40 cents.
The Story of Grace. 30 cents.
Truth and Error ; or, Letters to a Friend on some of the
Controversies of the Day. 40 cents.
Man His Religion and his World. 18mo. 40 cents.
The Bible Hymn Book. 50 cents.
(Rev. ANDREW) A Commentary on the Book of Levit-
icus; Expository and Practical, with Critical Notes. Svo. $1 50.
BONNET (L.) The Family of Bethany; or, Meditations on
the Eleventh Chapter of John. With an Introductory Essay by
HUGH Wiirru. ISmo. 40 cents.
Meditations on the Lord's Prayer. ISmo. 40 cents.
/, BOOTH'S Reign of Grace. With an Introduction by Rev. Dr.
(X- CIIALMKRS. 12mo. 75 cents.
(VJBOBROW (GKORGK) The Bible in Spain, and The Gypsies
-ia * Spain. Svo, cloth, 1.
s
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
BOSTON (Rev. THOMAS)- -Human Nature in its Fourfold State
of Primitive Integrity, Entire Depravity, Begun Recovery, and
Consummate Ilappiucss or Misery. 18mo. 50 cents.
The Crook in the Lot. 18mo. 80 cents.
BRETT (Rev. W. H.) The Indian Tribes of Guiana. ISiuo,
illustrated. 50 cents.
BRTDGEMAN (ELIZA J. G.) Daughters of China; or, Sketches
of Domestic Life in the Celestial Empire. 16mo. *75 cents.
BRIDGES (CHARLES, AM.) The Christian Ministry. -With an
Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency. Svo. 1 50.
An Exposition of the Proverbs. Svo. $2 00.
" The most lucid and satisfactory commentary on the Book of Proverbs that
we have met with ; and though it is of a popular cast, and quite within the
scope of the general reader, it is a book which clergymen will find to their
advantage frequently and diligently to consult."
Exposition of Psalm CXIX., as Illustrative of the Char-
acter and Exercises of Christian .Experience. $1 00.
Memoir of Miss Mary Jane Graham, late of Stoke
Fleming, Devon. 1 00.
Works. Comprising all the above in three vols. Svo. $5 00.
Broken Bud (The) ; or, Reminiscences of a Bereaved Mother ; with
a beautiful frontispiece. IGino. 75 cent*.
" This is a very touching and beautiful book. It is simply the treasured mem-
ories of a sorrowing mother, and there is in it so much tenderness, sweetness,
and saddened resignation, that it is invested with an inexpressible charm."
BROWN (JoiiN, D.D.) Expository Lectures on the First
Epistle of Peter. One thick Svo volume. $2 50.
Of this work, the North British Review says: "It is neither Scottish nor
German, but sprung from the high and rare union of the. best qualities of
both schools in a single mind. It has the Scottish clearness, precision, ortho-
doxy, practicality; the German learning, minuteness of investigation, and
disregard of tradition; and for certain qualities too rare in both resolute
adherence to the very truth of the passage unforced development of Jhe
connection, and basing of edification on the right meaning of the Scripture,
we have not met with anything in either country that surpasses it."
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Illustrated in a Series of Expositions 8 vols. Svo. $6 00.
The Sufferings and Glories of the Messiah ; an Exposi-
tion of Psalm XVIII. and Isaiah LIII. 12. Svo. 1 50.
Exposition of the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians.
Svo. $2 00.
4
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
BROWN, (JOHN, of Haddington) Explication of the Assembly's -
Catechism. 12mo. 60 cents.
Do. __ do. do. small one. ISmo. 10 cts.
Concordance. 32ino. 20 cents ; gilt, SO cents.
Catechism for Children. 1 25 per hundred.
(Rev. DAVID) On the Second Advent, Will it be Prc-
Milleuuiul? $1 25.
BUCHANAN (JAMES, D.D.) Comfort in Affliction. A Series
of Medital.ons. ISmo. 40 cents.
" A fourth edition of an excellent work. We have before commended it in
very decided terms, and again say to the afflicted, that a gentler, truer, and
more sympathizing counsellor could hardly be found than this author proves
himself to be." Eacmgdist.
The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit. ISino. 50 cts.
"This work is to be commended alike for its simple and Scriptural views of
religious doctrine, for its flowing and graceful style, and for its fervent and
glowing appeals. The author is one of the most accomplished men in Scot-
land, and is a professor in the new College of Edinburgh."
BUN3URY (Miss SELINA) Glory, Glory, Glory, and other
Narratives. 25 cents.
BUNYAN (JOHN) The Pilgrim's Progress. Fine edition, large
type, with Illustrations by Howland. $1 00.
Do. do. close type. ISmo. 50 cents.
The Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Pharisee and the Pub-
lican The Trinity and a Christian The Law and a Christian.
With a Life of the author, by the Rev. JAMES HAMILTON, London.
ISmo. 50 cents.
The Greatness of the Soul, and the Unspeakableness of
the Loss thereof No Way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ The
Strait Gate. With an Essay on Bmiyan's Genius and Writings,
by the Rev. R. PHILIP. ISmo. 50 cents.
BURNS (Rev. JABEZ, D.D.) The Parables and Miracles of
Jesus Christ. 12mo. 75 cents.
' This is an admirable volume, full of the loftiest truths, and tha most valuable
deductions and applications. Tt consists of sketches of sermons on the para-
bles and mira&es of Christ, explanatory and illustrative of the essentials of
saving religion. It is warmly commended to al!, but especially to ministers,
who will find in it a fund of theological knowledge and pure scripture."
Spectator.
(JOHN, M.D ) Christian Fragments ; or, Remarks on the
Nature, Precepts, and Comforts of Religion. 40 cents.
5
R^l^v^
CARTERS' PUBLICATION'S.
BUTIiSR The Complete Works of Bishop Butler. 1 vol.,
Svo. $1 50.
"The .Analogy of Butler enjoys a reputation scarcely second to any other book
limn llic Bible ; to praise it would be a work of supererogation. As a speci-
men of analogical reasoning, we suppose it has never been equalled ; and its
influence, in promoting ministerial etliciency, can hardly be overrated. Some
miniver.-; are in the habit of reading it, carefully, once every year. The An-
alogy occupies about one half the volume ; the remainder consists of Disser-
tations and Sermons." JV*. E. Puritan.
Sermons alone. Svo. 1 00.
Analogy alone. Svo. 75 cents.
and WILSON'S Analogy. In one vol. 1 25. \
CALVIN The Life of John Calvin, the Reformer, by Professor
HENRY, of Berlin, translated by Stebbings, with a fine portrait.
2 vols. Svo.
"Dr. Henry's large work, which has been repeatedly noticed by this journal,
composed by one who has a high but not blind admiration of the reformer's
character, and a cordial sympathy with those great principles, to the exposi-
tion and defence of which Calvin devoted all the energies of his noble soul,
is very admirable. It contains the rich and ample fruits of the researches of
many years; it is a well-stored repository of materials gathered from many
sources." Princeton Review.
CAMERON The Farmer's Daughter. Illustrated. ISmo. SO cts.
CECIL The Works of the Rev. RICHARD CECIL, late Minister of
St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, London. 8 vols. 8 00.
" In Richard Cecil we see a man, combining the rich soil of strong native talent
with a refinement of cultivation not surpassed by classic example; while in
him the elegant and profound scholar and polished gentleman are only the
subordinate characters of the humble-minded, devoted, and enterprising fol-
lower of the lowly Jesus." Baptist Milvvatc.
Sermons, separate. $1 00.
P^isceHanies and Remains, separate. $! 00.
Original Thoughts on Scripture. 81 00.
CriCI-U (C.vrr-i.) Memoir of Mrs. Hawkes, late of Islington, in-
cluding Remarks in Conversation and Extracts from Sermons
and Letters of the late Rev. R. Cecil. 12mo. 1 00.
"The life and religious experience of Mrs. Ilawkes is replete with interest to
all who desire to study the grace of Rod as it, is developed in. the daily life,
habits, and conversation of those who may be justly regarded as exemplify-
ing the hidden meaning of the words ' the secret of the Lord is with them
that fear him.' The records of her life are the more interesting because there
are inwoven in them so many incidents connected with Cecil. But her own .>
piely and opinions stand on its pages as fine gold purified in the furnace."
Rickmoiid '--h. Jldcoc'.iii:,
6
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
CHALMERS Sermons, enlarged by the addition of his Posthu- -
mous Sermons. 2 vols., Svo. With a fine portrait. 3 00.
Lectures on Romans. With a fine portrait. Svo. 1 50.
Miscellanies, Essays, and Reviews. With fine portrait.
Svo. $1 50.
Select Works ; comprising the above. 4 vols , Svo. With
portrait. 6 00.
Evidences of Christian Revelation. 2 vols. 1 25.
Natural Theology. 2 vols. 1 25.
Moral Philosophy. 60 cents.
Commercial Discourses. 60 cents.
Astronomical Discourses. 60 cents.
"So long as the eloquence of piety and truth, illustrated by the loftiest powers
of intellect and the largest acquisitions of learning, shall have admiring stu-
dents, so long will the sacred writings of Chalmers stand in the front rank of
religious literature, and be valued among the treasures of the Church of God."
JV. Y. Observer.
CEABNOCK (STEPHEN, 13. D.) Discourses upon the Existence
and Attributes of God. With a Life of the author by the
Rev. Dr. SYMINGTON. 2 vols., Svo. $3 00.
"The sublimenes s , variety, and rareness of the truths handled, together with
the elegance of the composure, neatness of Hie style, and whatever is wont to
make any book desirable, all concur in the recommendation of it (Charnock
on the Attributes). It is not a book to be played with or slept over, but read
with the most intense and serious interest." Ada-ins < Veal.
Choice Works. ISmo.
OHE3V3H (GKOKGE B., D.D.) The Powers of the World to
Come, and the Church's Stewardship as invested with them.
12mo. 1 00.
Lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress, and the Life ana
Times of John Banyan. Illustrated. Ninth edition. Large 12 mo
81 00.
" Dr. Chcever's name will go down to posterity conjoined with the immortal
dreamei^ in a union no less intimate, though" more honorable, than that of
Johnson and IJoswell. As a commentator of ISanynn he slnmlg without peer
or rival. Scott has furnished noles lor the text valued for their discrimina-
tion and piely; Dr. Hamilion and Robert Philip have contributed brilliant
monograms in illustration of his ircnius; other eminent writers have labored y
in the same (k'par'.muiil, but Dr. Ohccvcr lias won the palm from all com-
petitors. We can bestow no hi;.-!;er praise on the volume than to say it is
worthy of its subject, and all readers of the charming allegory should not
fail to read the Lectures." Cli. Chronicle.
y
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Child's Own Story Book, by Mrs. JERRAM. Illustrated with col-
ored plates. Square. 50 cents.
Christian Retirement; or, the Spiritual Exercises of the Heart.
From the Fourteenth London edition. 12mo. 75 cents.
Christian Experience ; as Displayed in the Life and "W ritings of
St. Paul. New edition, 12mo. 75 cents.
CLARK (JOHN A., D.D.) A Walk about Zion. Revised and en-
larged. Ninth edition. "With two steel plates. 12mo. 75 cts.
Gathered Fragments. Fifth edition. Two steel plates.
12mo. $1 00.
The Young Disciple ; or, Memoir of Anzouetta R. Peters .
Sixth edition. 12mo. 88 cents.
The Pastor's Testimony. Sixth edition. Two steel plates.
12mo. 75 cents.
Awake, Thou Sleeper. A series of Awakening Discourses.
Third edition. 12mo. 75 cents.
" Dr. Clark has for some time been known to the religious public as one of the
most judicious and excellent writers of the day. His works are all character-
ized by good thoughts, well expressed in a graceful and appropriate manner,
by great seriousness and unction, and an earnest desire to promote the spirit-
ual interests of his fellow-men."
CLARKE (SAMUEL, D.D.) Daily Scripture Promises to Living
Christians. Now first arranged in Lessons for every day in
the year. 32mo., gilt edge. 30 cents.
Clara Stanley; or, a Summer among the Hills, by the author of
"Aunt Edith." 18mo. 50 cents.
' This little book, forming one of Carters' Fireside series, is full of delightful
entertainment as well as useful instruction to the young. It not only irscul-
cates a pure morality, but breathes a spirit of exalted piety." Argus.
Claremont (THE) Tales ; or, Illustrations of the Beatitudes. A Se-
ries of Tales. With engravings. ISmo. 50 cents.
Colliers (THE) Tale A True History by James Bridges, Esq.
ISmo. 25 cents.
Y COLQUHOUN The World's Religion as contrasted with Gen
X. uine Christianity, by Lady COLQUHOUX. Uniform witli her Me-
moir. IGrno. 50 cents.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Commandment (THE) With Promise. By the author of the
" VVeek." Illustrated by Howland. Fine copy, 16mo. 75 cts. J
Small copy. Do. Close type. 18mo. 40 cents.
Companion for the Afflicted. Consisting of "Warnings, Prayers,
and Promise's in the Language of Scripture. In 2 parts. Each
15 cents.
COWFSR'S Poetical Works. 2 vols., 16mo. Illustrated. 1 50.
GUMMING A Message from God ; or, Thoughts on Religion
for Thinking Men, by the itev JOHN GUMMING, D.D. 18mo. 30 cts.
Christ Receiving Sinners. 18mo. SO cents.
" A very attractive little volume, abounding in excellent thought, naturally and
pointedly expressed." Presbyterian.
CUNNINGHAB1A World without Souls. By the Rev. J. W.
CUNNINGHAM, A.M., Vicar of Harrow. 30 cents.
CUYLER (Rev. T. L.) Stray Arrows. ISmo. 30 cents.
Daily Commentary. Exposition of Select Portions of Scripture for
every Morning and Evening thioughout the Year; a Companion
to " Family Worship." By One Hundred and Eighty Clergymen
of Scotland. 8vo. Cloth, S3 ; half calf, $4 ; morocco, 5.
The -work entitled "Family Worship ; a Series of Prayers for every Morning
and livening throughout Die Year, by Ono Hundred and Eighty Clergymen of
Scotland," was published about a year ago. That volume, reprinted from the
Glasgow edition, formed only a portion of the work issued in Scotland, each
prayer in the Scotch edition being accompanied by a brief comment on some
portion of Scripture. In order to render them more available, the Prayers
were reprinted separately, and now, to complete the work, the Expository
and Pntclical Comments on Scripture are embodied in this volume, uniform,
with " Family Worship."
This " Daily Commentary," however, is not only a valuable companion to
"Family Worship," but it. is also admirably adapted to the purposes of pri-
vate devotion. It is believed, both on account of its variety and ability, to be
unsurpassed, if not unequalled by any previous work of daily devotional
exercise.
DALE (Rev. THOMAS) The Golden Psalm ; or, an Exposition of
Psalm XVI. 16mo. 60 cents.
D'AUBIGNE'S History of the Reformation. Revised edition.
5 volumes, 12mo. Cloth $2 50
" Fine edition ... 3 50
" In one Svo. volume . . . 1 50
The fifth volume separate. 12mo. Half cloth. 50
Full " 60
" " " Fine edition. 75
The subject cf this vjlume is the origin and early progress of the Reformation
in England.
9
CARTERS' PUBLICATION'S.
D'AUBIQ-NE'S Life of Oliver Cromwell. 12mo. Cloth. 50 cents.
Germany, England, and Scotland ; or, the Recollec- .,
tions of a Swiss Minister. 12 mo. 75 cents.
Luther and Calvin. 18 mo. 25 cents.
The Authority of God the True Barrier against Rom-
ish and Infidel Aggression. 1 61110. *75 cents.
DA VIES (Rev. SAMUEL, A.M.) Sermons - Important Sub-
jects. 3 vols., 12mo. Cloth. 82 00. '-
" 1 most sincerely wish that, young ministers, more especially, would peruse
these volumes with the deepest attention and seriousness, und endeavor lo
form their Discourses according to the model of our author." Tlios. Gi.bbuns.
DAVIDSON (Dr. D.) Connection of Sacred and Profane
History ; from the Close of the Old Testament till the Kstah-
ment of Christianity. New edition. 1 vol., 12-rao. $1 00.
" This work is well executed. The historical plan is clear and unique, and the
style is singularly attractive, on account of its purity and strength." I'rotr.s-
ttmt Churchman.
DAVID'S Psalms.
In metre. 12 mo. Embossed. . .
" " gilt.
" " Turkey morocco.
" 18mo. Sheep.
4Smo.
Morocco.
gilt.
Tacks.. .
With Brown's Notes. ISmo. Sheep.
15
1 00
2 00
38
20
25
31
50
50
Morocco. 1 00
DICK (JOHN, D.D.) ^Lectures on Theology. 2 vols. in one.
Fine paper, with n poilrait of the author by Ritchie. Price *2 50.
In 2 vols. 3 00.
" U 7 e recommend this work ih the very ?;r.>]H>;esl, terms !o ihe ISiblical student.
It is, as a whole, superior to any oilier system of theology in our language.
As an elemenlary !j<>ok, especially iH'ed for those wlio are commencing the
study cf divinily, it is unrivalled." Cltristirm Join-nut.
Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles. Svo. 1 50.
"The style of the author is peculiarly adapted to a work of (his description.
11, is uncommonly perspicuous, terse, nervous, and calm. His ideas are the
production of a highly-cultivated mind, originally endowed with strong com- \
moil sense. In many respects he has the characierislics of Andrew Fuller, ,
with more of the polish of the school." Bnptist Jldvucatc. ~\
10
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
DICKINSON (RICHARD W., D.D.) Scenes from Sacred His-'(-
tory ; or, Religion Teaching by Example. 12oio. 1 00.
Responses from the Sacred Oracles ; or, the Past in the
Present. 12 mo. $1 00.
DILL (Rev. Dr.) Ireland's Miseries ; the grand Cause and Cure.
16 mo. 75 cents.
"This is a book that will attract much attention." Commercial Jldncrtiscr.
DODDRIDGE (PHILIP, D.D.) The Rise and Progress of Re-
ligion in the Soul. ISmo. 40 coats.
The Life of Col. James Gardiner. To which is added
The Christian Warrior Animated and Crowned. 30 cts.
DUNCAN (Rev. HENRY) The Sacred Philosophy of the
Seasons. Illustrating the Perfections of God in the Phenomena
of the Year. 4 vols., 12;n<>. 300.
"We know of no work more simple in its teachings, and of none that collects
more glory about the revolving mouths, than this." Spectator.
Tales of the Scottish Peasantry. Illustrated. 50 cts.
The Cottage Fireside ; or, the Parish Schoolmaster.
ISmo. Illustrated. 40 cents.
(G. J. 0.) The Life of the Rev. Henry Duncan, D.D.,
of Rutlvwell, Founder of Savings' Banks. 12mo. 75 cents.
Memoir 1 of George Archibald Lundie ; or, Missionary
Life in Samoa. By Mrs. DUNCAN. 1 Sino. 50 cents.
= A Glimpse into the World to Come ; in a Waking
Dream. By the late George B. Philips. With a brief Memoir
by Mrs. DUNCAN. ISmo. 25 cents.
(Mrs. M. G. L.) Memoir of Mary Lundie Duncan. By
her Mother. 16mo. Fine edition. 75 cent?.
The Children of the Manse. Illustrated. 18mo. 50 ct*.
l f - America as I found it. With portrait. 16mo. 1 00.
"A very readable book.- 1 .Advocate and Guardian.
-- 1^
(MARY LUNDIE) Rhymes for my Children. Square. \
Illustrated. 25 cents. -/ex
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
EDWARDS (JONATHAN) Charity and its Fruits, as exhibited -
in the Heart and Life. Printed from the 'Original MS. 50 cts.
A new work from the great mind and heart of Edwards, on such a subject
as Christian Love, we hardly shall need to commend. We find in it the
same exhaustive analysis, the same earnest spirituality, and wonderful famil-
iarity with both the Bible and the human heart, which distinguish his great
treatise on Ihe Affections. How true to the high standard of gospel truth,
and how affectionately severe to the reader's soul." Evangelist.
EDGAR'S Variations of Popery. Svo. 1 00.
"This volume is inestimable to the man who wishes to understand the Romish
controversy." St. Louis Presbyterian.
English Pulpit (The) A Collection of Discourses by the most
eminent English Divines. $1 50.
"This book contains thirty-two sermons by the most noted living preachers of
England. Among the contributors to the volume are found Melvill, Bradley,
Moore, Bloomtield, Cummins, Fletcher, Hamilton, Noel, Jay, Rallies, James,
Newton, and Bunting. The Sermons are highly evangelical in sentiment, and
set forth clearly and fervently the great doctrines of the Gospel." Watchman
and Observer.
ERSICENE (RALPH) Gospel Sonnets ; or, Spiritual Songs. With
a portrait of the author. 18mo. 50 cents.
"This is a most delightful volume, full of beautiful thought and gospel gems,
to comfort, cheer, and enrapture the believer travelling from earlb to glory.
These songs of Erskine will keep his soul in tune, and prepare him the better
to join the full chorus of the redeemed in heaven." Mm. Spectator.
Evidences of Christianity; a Series of Lectures delivered at the
University of Virginia, by eminent Clergymen of the Presbyte-
aian Church. With 13 portraits by Ritchie. Svo. $2 50.
Among the. contributor? to this great work are Drs. Alexander,
Rice, Breckenridge, M'G-ill, Ruffner, Sampson, Green, Rev. T. V.
Moore, etc.
"This is a noble contribution to sound logic, elegant literature, and pure Chris-
tianity. It consists of a series of discourses, delivered by some of the greater
lishls of the Presbyterian Church, illustrative of the divine authority of the
Christian religion." Though one star in the volume differeth from another,
yet there is not one that shines dimly or feebly, while their aggregate glory is
very great It deserves to become, and it can hardly fail to become, ;i stand-
ard work in this department of our Christian literature." Jlrgus.
Family Worship; a Series of Prayers for every Morning and
Evening throughout the Year. Adapted to Domestic Worship.
By one hundred and eighty Clergymen of Scotland- 830 pp.
Svo. Cloth, %?, 00; half calf, *4 00; Turkey morocco, 5 00.
" This volume is a treasure of its kind. The prayers are simple, varied, and im-
pressive ; excellent in the grasp of their subjects, and fervent in the words of
supplication. They were prepared by men of a prayerful spirit; and are
such as may be usefully employed in the morning and evening worship of
God's people." Watchman.
^Fanny and her Mamma. By the author of " Mamma's Bible
A Stories." Illustrated. Square. 50 cents.
12
GARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Far off; or, Asia and Australia Described. By the author of the-
" Peep of Day," &c. Illustrated. 1 81110. 50 cents.
" A charming little book, especially for juvenile readers." Savannah Repub.
First Day of the Week. ISmo. 25 ceuts.
FISK (Rev. GEORGE) A Memorial of Egypt ; The Red Sea ;
The Wilderness of Sin and Paran ; Mount Sinai ; Jerusalem, and
other principal localities of the Holy Land. With seven steel
plates. 12mo. $1 00.
An Orphan Tale ; told in Rhyme. 18mo. 25 cents.
FLETJRY (Rev. C. M.) The Life of David. A Series of Dis-
courses. 12mo. 60 cents.
FORD (Rev. D. E.) Decapolis ; or, the Individual Obligation of
Christians to save Souls from Death. ISmo. 25 cents.
FOSTER (JOHN) Essays 5 In a Series of Letters. Comprising
the Essays, On a Man -writing the Memoirs of Himself ; On De-
cision of Character ; On the Application of the epithet Romantic ;
On some of the Causes why Evangelical Religion has been ren-
dered unacceptable to persons of cultivated taste. 12mo. 7 5 cts.
"As an Essayist, John Foster is a- bright and shining light. As different as
possible from Addison, Steel e, and Johnson, he far excels them in the im-
portance of his subjects, and in the originality, largeness, and vigor of his
conceptions. Foster is one of tliose who apply to their topics the most criti-
cal analysis, and bring to their treatment a cultivated perception, and a rich
store of varied knowledge.
- An Essay on the Evils of Popular Ignorance. 75 cts.
" This Essay, by one of the most suggestive, an';;IcenJng minds that has left, its
impress upon modern English Literature. We scarcely know how otherwise
a young man could do more for the invigorafion and quickening of his powers
of thought, than by the study of this high Essay until he has mastered it."
Independent.
FOH Memoir of the Rev. H. W. Fox, Missionary to the
Teloogoo people. With an Introductory Essay by Bishop McH-
vaine. Illustrated with a fine portrait, and seven highly-finished
wood engravings by Howland. 12mo. $1 00.
"No appeal that I know of not even w~e Memoir of Henry Martyn has blown
the trumpet in our Zion with so loud and so stirring a note, as that which
sounds forth in tin's volume." Elliott.
Frank Harrison. ISmo. 30 cents.
" An intensely interesting story, which no boy can read without profit."
10
18
CARTERS' PUBLICATION'S.
Frank Netherton ; or, the Talisman. Illustrated. 40 cents.
" A beautiful story, and fragrant with living piety." Recorder.
FRY (CAROLINE) Christ our Example; -with Autobiography
and Portrait. 16mo. *75 cents.
"These essays are rich and deeply instructive." Chr. Chronicle.
The listener. Illustrated from original designs by Billings,
engraved by Howland. 16mo. -$1 00.
" This is one of flie most sensible, striking, suggestive, and truly useful books
Unit can be placed in the hands of the young!" Evangelist.
Christ our Law. 12mo. 60 cents.
The Scripture Reader's Guide to the Devotional Use of
the Holy Scriptures. ISmo. 30 cents.
Sabbath Musings. ISmo. 40 cents.
GAUSSEN'S Parables of Spring. 16mo. 40 cents.
Geological Cosmogony. ISmo. 30 cents.
GIIjFELLAN (GEORGE) The Martys, Heroes, and Bards of
the Scottish Covenant. Illustrated. 16mo. 60 cents.
"This is a book that we have looked over with great delight. The theme is
one of the noblest that modern history has furnished, and it has found a fitting
delineator in the polished pen of the brilliant author of the Literary Portraits,
who has done his work with some of the five and xmction of a genuine child
of the Covenant." Watchman and Reflector.
God in the Storm. 18mo. 25 cents.
GOOD'S Better Covenant. 12mo. ,nts.
GRAHAM (MARY J.) The Test of Truth. 18mo. 30 cents.
GRAY (THOMAS) Elegy written in a Country Churchyard, and
other Poems. Illustrated by Gilbert. Small STO. Cloth, $1 00 ;
full gilt, 1 50 ; Turkey morocco, 2 50.
" To praise Gray's poems, and especially the Elegy in the Country Churchyard,
would be little less than an insult to the intelligence of our readers. But there
are some things about the book which we may afford to speak of, as they are
not, altogether a matter of c> uirse. The critical observa) ions at the commence-
ment, are a fitting introduction to the work, as they tell us who the poet was,
, as well as what he did. The illustrations are just about as beautiful as art
'Y can make them. The typography and the paper are both exquisite ; and the 'X
y copy which we have at least, has tasked the skill of the bookbinder to the '/
-A utmost. It is every way a beautiful book." Puritan Recorder.
bV <>
-/^GRIFFITH (THOMAS) lave while you Live. 18mo. 30 cts. -A
-i A
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
HALDANES Memoirs of the Lives of Robert Kaldane,
of Airtbrey, and of his brother, James Alexander Haldane. f
By ALEXAXDJEB, HALDAXE, Esq. Svo. 2 00.
"Thr;isinall respects an extraordinary production. British biography pre-
sents nothing to be compared with it. * * * It is a book of" (acts, great
and varied ; it is a book of principles, most of them sound and important ; it
is u book of examples, shining and impressive ; it is a book of lessons, full of
encouragement and of caution ; it is a book which will, in a future age, be
considered as deserving a chief place in the biography of the first half of the
nineteenth century." British banner.
Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans. By ROBERT
HALDANE, Esq. Svo. 2 50.
" It, is clear and masterly in its development of principles. It is bold and de-
cided in its tone, because the Word of God which it illustrates and defends is
so. We recommend the work most cordially to the attention of ministers,
preachers, students in theology." Edinburgh Christian Instructor.
HALL The Select Works of Bishop Hall. 12mo 75 cents.
HAMILTON (JAMES, D.D.) Life in Earnest. ISmo 30 cents.
: The Mount of Olives. ISino. 30 cents.
" Thousands, as they read this work, will find a new and holier impulse commu-
nicated to their religious thoughts and sensibilities." American Citizen.
Harp on the Willows. SO cents.
Thankfulness. ISrao. 30 cents.
Life of Hall. 32rao. 'gilt. 30 cents.
Happy Home. Illustrated. 50 cents.
Life of Lady Colquhoun. With portrait. 75 cents.
" ' Life in Earnest,' stirs the soul like a bugle blast, and this beautiful memoir
falls on the heart like the low, sweet wail of some magnificent dirge from the
hand of a master. We know nothing finer from the pen of even VVi Ison, than
the splendid picture of Loch Lomond, with which the second chapter opens,
or the death and burial of the noble lady of Rossdhu, with which the last
closes."
The Royal Preacher; Lectures on Ecclesiastes. With
portrait. ICmo. 85 cents.
"There is so quick a sympathy with the beautiful in nature and art: so inex-
haustible a fertility of illustration from all departments of knowledge, so pic-
torial a vividness of language, that his pages move before us like some glitter-
ing summer landscape glowing in the light of a gorgeous sunset." Observer.
The Lamp and the Lantern ; or, Light for the Tent and
the Traveller. ISmo. 40 cents. ,,
Memoir of Richard Williams, Surgeon in the Missionary f
Expedition to Patagonia, Terra del Fuego. By the Rev. JAMES b\-
HAMILTON, D.D. (In preparation.)
15
CARTERS' PUBLICATION'S.
t
bi /
HAWK33. (ROBERT) The Pe ->r Man's Morning Portion.^
Being a Verse of Scripture, .th short Observations for every
day in the year. l - 2mo. 00 cents.
ES veiling Portion. 12mo. 60 cents.
Zion's Pilgrim. ISmo. 30 cents.
H2NGSTENBERG (E. W.) The Revelation of St. John.
Expounded for those who Search the Scriptures. Translated by
Patrick Fairbairn. '2 yds., Svo. -S3 50.
"No living theologian is better acquainted with the Old Testament than the
author of this able and elaborate work. He is, consequently, well prepared to
expound those par's of the New, the imagery of which is borrowed from the
Old. He has brought to his task, in the present instance, great learning, deep
piety, and unquenchable ardor in the investigation of truth. That he has, in
everything, written wisely anil correctly, is more than can be said; but he has
produced a work of great research, and of unquestionable value to those who
search the Scriptures." Central Christ inn J-lc.ra!,d.
*HENRY (MATTHKW) An Espodtion of the Old asd New
Testaments, largely Illustrated with Practical Remarks and
Observation?, with a Life of the author by the Rev. SAMUEL
PALMER, and an Introductory Preface by the late A. ALEXANDERS
D.D. 6 vols., royal Svo. Sheep. $10 00.
Do. do. Fine Edition, on larger and finer paper,
and elegantly bound in half calf. $16 00.
" This work has now been before the Christian community for more than a hun-
dred years, and has, from ils first publication, been so well received, and is so
generally approved, that all recommendation of the work seems now super-
fluous. .Many oilier valuable commentaries, it is true, have been given to the
public since this work was first edited, and have deservedly gained for them-
selves a high eslimaiioa and extensive circulation. But it may be safely said,
thai. Henry's Exposition of (he Bible has not been superseded by any of these
publications; and in those points in which ils peculiar excellence consists,
remains unrivalled. For some particular purposes, and in some particular
respects, other commentaries maybe preferable; but, taking it as a whole,
and as adapted to every class of readers, this Commentary may be said to
combine more excellences than any work of the kind which was ever written
in any language." Jiee. Dr. JJlexamler.
A Method for Prayer, with Scripture Expressions proper
to be used under each. head. ISmo. 40 cents.
The Communicant's Companion. 18mo. 40 cents.
Directions for Daily Communion with God. Showing
how to begin, how to spend, and how to close every clay with
God. ISmo. SO cents.
The Pleasantness of a Religious Life Opened and
Proved. 32mo. Gilt. 30 cents.
/ Choice Works. "With a Life of Henry by the Rev. JAMES
HAMILTON, London. 60 cents.
(PHILIP) Life, ISmo. 50 cents.
16
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
{, HERVBY'S Meditations and Contemplations. ISmo.
HETHERING-TON (Rev. WM. M.) History of the Church of 'f
Scotland, from the Introduction of Christianity to the period j
of the Disruption in 1843. Svo. $1 50.
" This is in every respect a work of great merit. It contains the history of one
of the most interesting portions of the Christian Church, and is distinguished
as well by its neat and graceful style, as by the fulness, perspicuity, and so
far as we can judge, fidelity of its statements."
History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines.
12mo. 75 cents.
HBWITSON (Rev. W. H.) Memoir of. By the Rev. J. BATLLIE.
Portrait. 12mo. 85 cents.
" This is a book to make one sad, but only with that sadness that makes the
heart better. It i* sad to see a star so bright and beautiful in its heavenly
track, blotted out of si.ght ere it reached its zenith; and sad to think how few
such burning and shining lights are left behind." Watchman.
HILL (GEORGE) Lectures on Divinity. Svo. 2 00.
" The candor and fairness of this author are remarkable, fn statin.o; the opinions
of opponents he is singularly impartial, and states their arguments in their
full strength an unfaUhu indication of real greatness, and assured confidence
in the soundness of his own. You feel yourself in a serene and refreshing at-
mosphere, as you follow him in these pages, and are everywhere instructed.
His notices, or history of varying opinions in theology, are very valuable."
Christian Jtlirror.
HXLXi (ROWLAND) The Life of the Hev. Rowland Hill, A.M.
By Rev. EDWIN SIDNEY. 12mo. 75 cents.
" One of the best of men, and the greatest of preachers."
Historic Doubts regarding Napoleon Bonaparte; and Historic
Certainties regarding the Early History of America. 16mo. 50 cts.
History of the Reformation in Europe. With a Chronology of
the Reformation, by the author of " The Council of Trent."
ISmo. 40 cents.
History of the Puritans in England. Ry Rev. W. H. STOWELL,
Professor of Theology, Rotherham College ; and The Pilgrim
Fathers, by D. WILSON, F.S.A. In 1 vol. 81 00.
HOOKEH The Philosophy of Unbelief, by the Rev. HERMAN
HOOKER, D.D. 12mo. 75 cents.
"This work is characterized by a lucid and agreeable style, by profoniid and !
discriminating thought, and by great strength of moral and religious feeling." |
The Uses of Adversity and the Provisions of Consolation. )
ISmo 30 cents. 'V
"I can desire no higher satisfaction, and certainly there can be no truer honor, X
than to be the instrument of conveying comfort to the bereaved and despond- ,V
ing, and causing their grief to assume the aspect aud direction of celestial f
love." Author's Preface.
CARTERS PUBLICATIONS.
*HORNE (Tnos. H.) An 'Introduction to the Critical Study
and KnoTO-io^" -f the Holy Scriptures. By THOMAS
HARTWELL HORNK, B.D., of St. John's College, Cambridge. New
edition, corrected and enlarged. Illustrated with numerous Maps
and fac-sitrules of Biblical Manuscripts. 2 vols., royal Svo. Half
cloth. 3 51 . In 1 vol. Sheep. 84 00. In 2 vols. Full cloth.
$4 00. 2 vuls. Library style. 5 00.
'To commend Home's Introduction to the clergy, or other students of (he sa-
cred oracles, would be ' carrying coals to Newcastle.' It has long been
regarded as an indispensable work for a theological library, and has acquired
among Biblical scholars at least English Scholars a deservedly high repute,
It is a work of gigantic labor. The results of the research and erudition of
Biblical scholars of all countries, and in all time, arc faithfully garnered, and 5
on the whole, well digested." *Y. Y. Evangelist.
(Bishop) A Commentary on the Book of Psalms.
To which is prefixed an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. EDWARD
IRVING, of London. Svo. 1 50.
"His style is lucid, and often terse; his reflections grow naturally out, of the
sentiments of the passage on which he comments, and there breathes through
the whole so much sympathy with the Psalmist in his humble views of him-
self, and his exalted conceptions of Jehovah ; there is such a heavenly, sweet
frame of mind exhibited, so much spirituality, and such love for the Redeem-
er, as to render this commentary one of peculiar fitness for family reading."
HOWARD (JOHN) Or, the Prison World of Europe, by HEPWORTH
DIXON, Esq. 1 vol., 12mo. 1 00.
" Of Howard, it has been said, 'He lived an Apostle, and died a Martyr.' He
traversed the civilized world, and entered its gloomy prison houses, to reduce
the sum of human misery." Ckn. Observer.
HOWE (JOHN) The Redeemer's Tears Wept over Lost Souls ;
Union among Protestants ; Carnality of Religious Contention ;
Man's Enmity to God, and Reconciliation between God and Man.
ISmo. 50 cents.
HOWELL Perfect Peace. Letters Memorial of the late JOHN
WARREN HOWELL, Esq., of Bath. By the Rev. DAVID PITCAIRN.
With an Introduction by the Rev. JOHN STEVENSON. ISmo. 30 cts.
HOWIS (JOHN) The Scots Worthies ; containing a brief His-
torical Account of the most eminent Noblemen, Gentlemen, Min-
isters, and others who have suffered for the Reformation. Svo.
$1 50.
' This is an old work famous in Scotch literature, and a worthy companion of
Fox's Book of .Mar f yrs. It is a circumstantial history of the principal sufferers
of the Covenanters, and others, whose heroic devotion lo truth and liberty are
worthy of everlasting remembrance and admiration. There is not a name in
this long catalogue that does not de-serve embalming ; their history and mem-
ory constitute the richest of Scotland's possessions. The perusal of such a
work is well adapted to our times; and it affords, aside from its noble illus-
trations of Christian pir.ciple, a very clear history of religions liberty in
Scotland." Evangelist.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
HUSS Memoir of John Huss, the Reformer. Translated from
the German. ISiuo. -25 cents. /
Infant's Progress (THE) From the Plains of Destruction to Ever-
lasting G lory, by the author of " Little Henry and his Bearer."
Illustrated \vith fine engravings on wood, from original designs.
16 mo. 75 cents.
JACOBUS (MELANCTHOX W., D.D.) Notes on the Gospels:
Critical and Explanatory. And incorporating with the notes, on
u new plan, the most approved harmony of the four Gospels.
With illustrations, by MELAXCTHON "VV. JACOBUS, D.D, Professor
of Biblical Literature in the Western Theological Seminary, at
Alleghany, Pa,.
VOLUME I. Matthew. 12mo. 75 cents.
"We are greatly mistaken in our estimate of this new work, if it does not be-
come the general favorite in oar country as the guide book to the study of the
sacred volume. It appears, to our mind, the book we have desired ; it em-
braces the marrow of ;tll the best writers and commentators on the gospels,
and the admirable style in which it is published enhances its valim. We con-
fidently predict a large sale and its rapid introduction to our Sabbath Schools."
Christian AUlnvcc and finitor.
VOLUME II. Mark and Luke. 12mo. 75 cents.
"We view with complacency every attempt to make the historical Scriptures,
and especially the Gospels," more familiar as a subject, of popular instruction.
But we are particularly pleased to see this responsible work in the hands of
those who combine the advantages of literary training and pastoral experi-
ence." Princeton Review.
VOLUME III. John and Acts. (In preparation.)
The Catechetical Question Book. Intended to accom-
pany the same. $1 50 per cloz.
JAMES The Anxious Inquirer after Salvation. By the Rev.
JOHN ANGELL JAMES. ISmo. 30 cents.
Christian Progress. A sequel to the " Anxious Inquirer."
ISmo. 30 cents.
The True Christian. 30 cents.
The "Widow directed to the Widow's God. ISmo. 30 cts.
Young- Man from Home. 18mo. 30 cents.
Christian Professor. 16mo. 75 cents.
" He looks at the Christian professor in all his relations, difficulties, and dangers,
from the public assumption of his high vocation, to his disappearance in the
depths of the dark valley. We would gladly see a copy of this eainest and \
impressive Manual in the hands of every member of the church." IVutckman ^/
19
lands of every member
and Observer.
C A II T E 11 S ' PUBLIC A TIONS.
JAMSB Christian Duty. A series of Pastoral Address's. 16m
73 cfiiti
u it Is pract.._al, heart-searching, solemn, affectionate, earnest." Spectator.
The Course of Faith; or, the Practical Believer Delin-
eated. 75 cents.
" VTe linro oi'rtimes reviewed the works of Mr. James with personal and religions
profit, hut ii has seldom been our. pleasure to welcome and pe>-uso a more
sterling work iroiii his pen than the one before us. Faith and its nature, its
otiicc and effects, is but J'ainlly understood by even our most consistent Chris-
tians; the author lias succeeded in a most surprising manner, and witii his
usually impressive style, to demonstrate the nature of faith in its theoretical,
praclic:d and experimental influences upon the heart and the life. The, CSruu-.sc
of Fa.ii.lt is a rich treasury of piety, knowledge, boundless compassion, and
vt'joiGus thought." linptist Memorial.
The Young Woman's Friend and Guide through Life
to Immortality. 16 mo. 75 cents.
" We doubt very much if Tdr. James has ever made a better book than this.
Those trails of character which give beauty, strength, and power to youthful
females are hero set forth in that glowing and earnest language which mark
this author's writings, and if we had it in our power we should be happy to
lay this volume upon the toilet table of eA'ery young lady of our acquaintance."
JV. Y. Observer.
The Christian Father's Present to his Children. 75 cts.
Jamie Gordon; or, the Orphan. Illustrated. ISmo. 50 cents.
" A most absorbing story, fraught with valuable instruction." Chris. Mirror.
JANEWAY (JAMES) Heaven upon Earth ; or, Jesus the best
Friend of Man. With a History of the Janeway Family, by the
Ilev. F. A, Cox, D.D., LLD., Hackney. 18mo. 50 cents.
A Token for Children. 30 cents.
JAY (Rev. WM.) Morning and Evening Exercises, for every
day iu the Year. New and elegant edition, on large type and fine
paper. In 4 thick volumes. 12mo. Price
Morning Exercises. Common edition. 12mo. 75 cents.
Evening Exercises. Do. do. 75 cents.
The Christian Contemplated. In a Course of Lectures
delivered in Argyle Chapel, Bath. 18mo. 40 cents.
j The Jubilee Memorial. 18ino. 30 cents.
i
{ JERRAM A Tribute of Parental Affection, to the Memory
/ of my beloved and only daughter, Haunah Jerram. By the Rev.
fy CHARLES JEURAM, A.M. ISmo. HO cents,
X JOHNSON (Dr. SAMUEL) Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia. Fine
-/a edition. 16mo. 50 cents. '
' 20
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
y-
,/> J"OHi>TSON Ivlemob- of the Rev. W. A. B. Johnson, MUsii <n- -V>
ury in Regents' Town, Siena Leone. With an Introduction by *f
the Rev. Dr. TYNG 12mo. 1 00. \
KENNEDY Profession is not Principle ; or, the Name of J
Christian is not Christianity. By GRACE KENNEDY. ISmo. 30 cts. j
Jessy Allan, the Lame Girl. A story founded on facts.
ISmo. 2.; cents.
Anna Hoss. Illustrated. ISmo. 30 cents.
Decision ; ov, Religion must be all or is nothing. I Smo. 25 cts.
Father Clement. ISmo. 30 cents.
Key to the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. Containing Cate-
chetical Exercises : a Paraphrase, and a new and regular series
of proofs on each answer. ISmo. 20 cents.
KING (DAVID, LL.D.) The Principles of Geology Explained
and Viewed in their Relation to Natural and Revealed Religion.
16)no. *75 cents.
The Ruling Eldership of the Christian Church.
" Clear ai;d pointed in argument, thoroughly practical in its tendency, candid,
and courteous in the treatment of opposing views, and pervaded by a fervent
sense of Christian obligation." The Scottish Presbyterian.
KITTO "(JOHN, D.D.) Daily Bible illustrations : being Original
Readings for a year on Subjects from Sacred History, Biography,
Geography, Antiquities, and Theology, especially designed for
the Family Circle.
Morning Series. 4 vols. 12uio. 4 00.
Vol. I. ANTEDILUVIANS AND PATRIARCHS.
II. MOSES AND THE JUDGES.
III. SAMUEL, SAUL, AND DAVID.
IV. SOLO-MON AND THE KlNGS.
Evening Series. 4 vols. 12mo. $4 00.
Vol. I. Joi5 AND THE POETICAL BOOKS.
II. ISAIAH AND THE PROPHETS.
If I. THE LIFE AND DEATH OF OUR LOUD.
IV. THE APOSTI.KS AND THE KAKLY CHURCH.
"The idea of the pres.nl \vork is excellent. In 'Readings' designed for cacli
day of the year, but. so brief that they may bo read aloud in ten minutes, the
author goes over the out-standing facts and incidents in the sacred narrative;
and from his boundless aciiuirenients, sheds over them a Hood of charming
illustration." English Presbyterian Messenger. ' q
The jLost Senses Deafness and Blindness. 12mo. 1 00.
21
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
KRTJMMACHER (R W., D.D.) The Martyr Lamb ; or, Christ .
the Representative of his People in all ages. ISmo. 40 icnts.
The Last Days of Elisha. ISmo. 50 cents
Siijah, the Tishbite. ISmo. 40 cents.
Last Day of the Week. ISmo. 25 cents.
Law and the Testimony, by the author of the " Wide Wide
World," " Qucechy," <fcc. Svo. $3 00.
"Not a treatise nor an essay, neither hath it any human writing at all. It is
simply a gathering of the whole ISible testimony on each of the cardinal points
of Christian belief, there left to speak for itself. Beneath these grand general
heads, about thirty in number, there are no sub-divisions and no urtitices of
arrangement or collocation ; will) only an instance or two of exception. No-
thing ot' secondary or partial interest is touched upon. The end and aim of the
work is towards the perfect ing and beautifying of the faith of Christians, by
enabling them to .see not only 'the truth,' but the ' whole truth,' and towards
establishing the faith of other Christians by setting forth the broad foundation
laid for it. For many know but in part the curious articulation of the Chris-
tian system ; here ' bone is joined to bone,' and the whole body of divinity
stands in its full proportions and on its own feet."
LBYBURN (.JOHN, D.D.) The Soldier of the Cross. 12mo. 1.
" Like Wilberforce's ' Practical View,' it has the combined characteristics of
the regular finished essay, and the rhetorical, heart-searching appeal. Sound
practical instruction is here presented in a most attractive form. The original
passage commented on, is singularly bold and beautiful, both in conception
and in expression ; anil the ideas embodied within its imagery are, in this
volume, admirably exhibited to the reader's mind. The work is valuable, not
only as an instructive treatise for the perusal of the private Christian, but as a
model of pulpit oratory in a walk now too seldom trodden." Presbyterian
of t.kc _H'~t'st.
Life in Nev/ York. By the author of "The Old White Meeting-
house." ISmo. 40 cents.
Life of a Vagrant. Written by himself. Or, the Testimony of an
Outcast to the truth and value of the Gospel. ISmo. 30 cents.
" This is one of the most remarkable books of the day, and no one can read it
without wonder and astonishment." Bait. Patriot.
Lighted Valley (The) or, the Closing Scenes in the Life of a be-
loved Sister. With an Introduction by the Re\ Wu. JAI', of
Bath. 16mo. 75 cents.
"There is an indescribable beauty and pathos running through every page of
this volume, which makes us thankful that it has seen the light. Nature had
combined with grace to make Abby Bolton one of the loveliest of her sex."
Evangelical Magazine.
Line upon Line. By the author of the "Peep of Day." ISmo, 30 cts.
, Little Annie's First Book. In Words of Out Syllable. With 70
tcuts. 35 cents.
Little Annie's Second Book. A companion to the above. Col-
ored plates. Square. 40 cents.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Little Lessons for Little Learners. Square. Col. plates. 50 cts. A
Living to Christ. A Mother's Memorial of a Departed Daughter.
With an Introduction by the Rev. ASA D. SMITH, D.D. Ib'mo.
60 cents.
"Simple, beautiful, affecting and instructive, this little volume wins its way to
the heart, with the freshness of a rill from the River of the Water of Life,
clear as crystal. Let every parent read it, and see how early and how sweetly
the love of Jesus may take possession of a child's heart. Let every child read
it, and see and know the delightful example and evidences of youthful piety.
It is a precious, useful book, encouraging, animating aud delightful." .Mon-
treal Witness.
LOWRIE (Rev. JOHN C.) Tv/o Years in Upper India. 75 cents.
(Rev. W.M.) Letters to Sabbath School Children. 25 cts.
LUTHBR (MARTIN) A Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to
the Galatians. Svo. 81 50. "With a portrait.
" This is a reprint of one of tiie noblest productions of the reformation. It bears
the impress of the great mind of its author, and asa judicious, lucid exposition
of Scripture, may be considered as almost unrivalled to the present day."
MACKAY (Mrs. COLONEL) The Wicklifntes 5 or, England in the
Fifteenth Century. 12mo. 75 cents.
MAGIE (Rev. Dr.) The Spring Time of Life. Or, Advice to
Youth. 1 61110. 75 cents.
" We rarely meet with a volume prepared for youth, in this age of light read-
ing, at once so attractive in style and so rich in evangelical truth. For purity.,
perspicuity, and beauty of expression and force of thought, it would be diffi-
cult to find its superior. It is just what we would wish to see in the hands of
erery apprentice, clerk, and student in the land." Newark Daily Mdv.
Mamma's Bible Stories, for Little Boys aud Girls. Colored
plates. 50 cents.
Sequel to the same. Colored plates. 50 cents.
MARSHALL (WALTER) The Gospel Mystery of Sanctifica-
tion opened in sundry practical Directions ; suited especially to
the case of those who labor under the guilt and power of in-
dwelling Sin. ISmo. 50 cents.
"The amiable and pious H- vey says of this little treatise, that, were he ban-
ished to a desolate island, -with but two books beside the Bible, this should be
one of the two, and perhaps the first that he would choose." Observer.
(Mrs.1 My Friend's Family. ISmo. 25 cents.
MARTIN A Brief Sketch of the Life of the late Miss
Sarah Martin, of Great Yarmouth. With Extracts from the
Parliamentary Reports of Prisons : her own Prison Journal, etc.
ISmo. 30 cents.
LTYN Memoir of the Rev. Henry Martyn, D.D. By
JOHN SARGENT, M.A. New edition. 12mo. 60 cents.
23
E5?-S> .4_ o-_ L f-j _ <*^^fJ**
^S
f
-/q
J*p; i y)VJ x r^r* ^ 7^-fi
^ CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
/a
T
A Martyrs and Covenanters of Scotland. ISiuo. 40 cents.
4
' We do not remember that we ever read a little volume containing so much
of deep and thrilling interest as this one.." Christian Mlitmcc.
McCHSYNB The Lii's, Letters, Lectures, and Remains of
the Hev. Robert Murray McGheyne. To which are added
his Familiar Letters from the Holy Laud. New edition. With a
line portrait. Svo. $1 50.
Sermons. With portrait. 1 vol., Svo. 2 00.
Familiar Letters from the Koly' Land. ISino. 50 cts.
Complete Works. Containing all the above. 2 vols., v<>.
$3 00.
"The tenderness of his conscience the truthfulness of his character his dead-
ness to the world his deep humility and exalted devotion his consuming
love to Christ, and the painful solicitude with which lie eyed everything af-
fecting his honor the iidelily with which he denied himself, and told others
of their faults or dangers his meekness in bearing wrong, and his unwearied
industry in do'mir good the mildness which tempered his unyielding firmness,
and the jealousy for the Lurd of Hosts which commanded but did not sup-
plant the yearnings of a. most ulTectioiuite heart, rendered him altogether oi;c
of the lovtiiesi specimens of the Spirit's workmanship." Itco. James Hamil-
ton^ UJ iMIlddll.
McOOSH (JAMKS, D.D.) The Divine Government, Physical
and Moral. Svo. -j 00.
"if this work wants the attraction of previous literary reputation in the author,
tiie disadvantage's compensated by the surpassing interest and peculiar sea-
sonableness of its subject. The mere title of the book, as indicating an in-
quiry that must needs embrace some of the deepest questions that have r-vor
exere:sed the human intellect, is sure lo draw the attention of those who -ire
addicted to speculative studies. A glance at ils contents will satisfy such
that it- is deserving of a careful perusal ; and once perused, it cannot fail, we
should think, lo leave an impression of wonder (hat, for the first time, the author
should have become known to the public by a work of such pre-eminent
merit. Nor do we tear to hazard the assertion, that he has thus, by a single
stride, secured for himself a position in literature such as few ever reached by
a first publication, and one which he might never have attained had he put
forth in separate and more limited efforts the learning and thought which he
has concentrated on this." Jfortli British Review.
McCHINDELIi (Miss R.) The Convent. A Narrative founded
on iiic't. ISirm. 50 cents.
" A well-wrought tale, with truth as ils basis, and imporlaut usefulness for its
lam." jV. Y. Observer.
The School Girl in France. Complete edition. 16mo. 50 cts.
McPAHLANB (Rev. JOHN, LL.D.) The Mountains of the
Bible, their Scenes, and their Lessons. With four steel plates.
12 mo. 75 cents.
.McGHBE (Rev. ROBERT J.) Expository Lectures on the
{* Spistle to the Bphesians. 2 00.
" These Lectures form a delightful and profitable running commentary upon.
this Epistle, so rich in experimental truth." Zioii's Herald.
24
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
1
McG-ILVRAY (Rev. WALTER, D.D.) Peace in Believing, 25 cts
'
McLBLIiAND (ALEX., DD.) - A Treatise on the Canon and /
Interpretation of the Scripture. 12mo. 75 cents.
IVIcLEOD (Rev. Dr.) True Godliness. 12mo. 60 cents.
IVj[li]IIGjj3 (JAMES) Solitude Sweetened; or, Miscellaneous Med-
itations on various Religious Subjects. Written in distant parts
of the world. 12mo. 60 cents'.
MUNTEATH Lays of the Kirk and Covenant. By Mrs. A
STUART MEXTEATH. l(5mo. Illustrated. 75 cents.
" ft is a long lime since we have enjoyed such a treat as this volume has given
us. No nation on the face of the 'globe has a history so full of interest- to the
Christian as that of Scotland, lier soil has been consecrated by conflicts,
more noble than those immortalized in Homer's song. We are glad to find
that Mrs. JMenteath has the true spirit of the ballad wild, plaintive and soul-
moving, and we would say to all lovers of ballads, get this beautifully-printed
and illustrated volume."
Michael Kemp The History of Michael Kemp, the happy Farmer's
Lad. A Tale of Rustic Life, illustrative of the Spiritual Bless-
ings and Temporal Advantages of Early Piety. By ANNE
WOODRUFFE. Illustrated. ISiuo. 40 cents.
MILLSH (HUGH) The Geology of the Bass Hock. 16mo. 75 cts.
"This volume illustrates the truth that a very humble spot of earth may be in-
vested with peculiar charms from clustering scientific and historic associa-
tions." Ckristiaii Observer.
Miller ( ROGER) Or, Heroism in Humble Life. A Narrative. By
OIIME, with an Introduction by the Rev. Dr. ALEXANDER. ISmo.
30 cents.
"The reader who rises from this volume unmoved, and without, a glow of ne>.v
desires to be individually useful to the suffering and the wicked, must be
made of sterner stuff t hurf many to whom these pages have been submitted."
j'.j'tract from the Introduction.
Missionary of Kilmany (The) Being a Memoir of Alexander
Patersou, with Notices of ROBERT EDIE, by the Rev. JOHN BAIU.IK.
" I should not be surprised if Alexander Paterson in his day and generation,
shall be found to have turned more nnto righteousness than many of the most
esteemed and evangelical clergy of our Church." Dr. Ckatmcrs.
"A more delightful and instructive history than this we have very seldom
read." Witness.
Missions The Origin and History of Missions. By Rev. J. O
CIIOULES and Rev. THOMAS SMITH. 4to. Illustrated. 3 50.
', MOPPAT (ROBERT) Missionary Labors and Scenes in South-
A- ern Africa. With plates, and portrait of the author. 75 cents.
X-MONOD (ADOLPHE, D.D.) LuciUa ; or, the Reading of the Bible.
a Translated from the French. ISmo. 40 cents.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
MORE (HANNAH) Private Devotions. Elegant edition. 1 Smo.
50 cents.
Small edition. 32mo. Plain. 20 cents. Gilt. 30 cents.
MORBLL (J. D.) An Historical and Critical View of the
Speculative Philosophy of Europe in the Nineteenth Century.
Svo. 3 00.
" We have seldom read an author who can make such lucid conveyance of his
thoughts, and these never of light or slender quality, but substantial and deep
as the philosophy wilh which he deals. Even when not convinced by his
reasonings, it is difficult to resist the impulse by which we feel ourselves car-
ried along in iho How of his commanding and well-sustained sentences." Dr.
Ckalmers, in the JVvrt/i British Review.
Morning of Life (The) A Memoir of Miss A n, who Avas edu-
cated for a Nun, Avith many interesting particulars, and original
Letters of Dr. Doyle, late Roman Catholic Bishop of Carlow. By
her friend, M. 31. C. M. 16mo. 40 cents.
Morning and Night Watches. 16mo. 60 cents.
" Daily grace for the soul is as needful as daily bread for the body. This vol-
ume seems well adapted to lead the reader to meditate upon God's 'loving
kindness in the morning,' and his faithfulness every night. Active piety will
flourish under its guidance." Christian Advocate.
MURPHBY (JAMES, D.D.) Creation ; or, the Bible and Geology
Consistent. 12mo. $1 00.
My School-boy Days. Illustrated. ISmo. 30 cents.
My Youthful Companions. A Sequel. Illustrated. 30 cents.
The aboA r e two in one volume. 50 cents.
Near Home, or, the Countries of Europe described, by the author
of the " Peep of Day," <tc. ISmo. 50 cents.
"This is really a charming book ; and in this estimation we have no doubt ev-
ery docile boy and girl 'vY ill agree with us. Systematic knowledge, derived
from geographies and histories, is, of course, indispensable ; but the informa-
tion conveyed in the familiar style of this book is received with more pleasure
and eagerness, arid becomes even more deep and enduring. We have here
literally a picture of Europe." CIi. Intelligencer.
NEWTON The Works of the Rev. John Newton, of St.
Mary's AYoolworth, London. Containing an Authentic Narra-
tive, etc. ; Letters ; Discourses ; Olney Hymns -. Poems ; Mes-
siah ; and Tracts. To which are prefixed Memoirs of his Life,
<fec., by the Rev. RIOHAUD OKCIL, A.M. Complete in one volume,
NCAV edition, Avith fine portrait by Ritchie. 2 00.
"If there is an v name of modern times consecrated in (he grateful remem-
brances and -Affections of the Christian, it is that of John Newton. His conver-
sion to Christianity was scarcely less remarkable than that of Saul of Tarsus-;
and his subsequent course through a long and laborious life, was in many re-
spects quite antilogous to the ;?urse of the great Apostle to the Gentiles."
The Christian Character exemplified from the papers of
M. MAGDALEN JASPER. ISmo. 30 cents.
26
CARTERS' PUBLICATION'S.
New Cobwebs to catch Little Flies. Illustrated with .sixteen
fine engravings. 16mo. 50 cents
NOEL Infant Piety. A book for Little Children. By the Hon.
and Rev. BAPTIST W. NOEL. ISmo. 25 cents.
OLD HUMPHREY Works. 40 cents each. Viz. :
OBSERVATIONS. OLD SEA CAPTAIN.
ADDRESSES. GRAND PARENTS.
THOUGHTS. ISLE OF WIGHT.
WALKS IN LONDON. PITHY PAPERS.
HOMELY HINTS. PLEASANT PAPERS.
COUNTRY STROLLS. WORTH AMERICAN INDIANS,
"We know of no writer of the present, day who seems to us more sure of meet-
ing a cordial welcome from his readers, upon every fresh appearance, than
Old Humphrey. His beautiful illustrations, both of nature and art, joined
with a strong religious feeling, and a certain familiarity and quaintness be-
coming an old man, give to his works a charm to which few readers cau be
insensible/'
Old White Meeting-hoxise. By the author of " Life in New York,"
(tc. ISmo. 40 cents.
OLMSTED Thoughts and Counsels for the Impenitent.
By the Rev. J. M. OLMSTED. ISmo. 50 cents.
OPIE Tales ; or, Illustrations of Lying by AMELIA OPIE. 1 8mo.
40 cents.
OSBORNS (Mrs. D.) The World of Waters; or, a Peaceful
Progress o'er the Unpathed Sea. Illustrated. 75 cents.
*OW3N The Works of John Owen, D.D. 16 vols., Svo. 20.
"This edition has been carefully compared with the earliest editions of Dr.
Owen's Works, (who has been often and justly styled the ' Prince of Divines,')
and no exertion has been spared to render it, in all respects, the best edition
that has ever appeared."
On Spiritual Mindedness. 12mo. 60 cents.
PALSY Horse Paulinee. By WILLIAM PALEY, D.D., author of
" Natural Theology," tfcc. Svo. 75 cents.
PASCAL The Provincial Letters of BLAISE PASCAL. A new
translation, with Historical Introduction and Notes by the Rev.
Trios. McCRiE. ?1 00.
" It were superfluous to say anything in commendation of these world-famous
letters. The translation before us is clone by an accomplished scholar, and
hence will give a better view of the wit and force of the original, than tliose
that preceded it."
{' Pastor's Daughter (The) or, the Way of Salvation Explained to
a Young Inquirer, from Reminiscences of the Conversations of
her' late Father, Edward Payson, D.D. By LOUISA PAYSON HOP-
KINS. ISmo. 40 cents.
27
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
PATERSON A Concise System of Theology on the Basis of-
the Shorter Catechism. By ALEXANDER SMITH PATERSON, A.M.
ISmo. 50 cents.
"The Rev. Dr. Brewster. of Craig, Scotland good authority on theological mat-
ters describes this treu" ise l as being one of the most beautiful, complete, and
accurate expositions of :he Shorter Catechisms which has ever appeared.' "
PSARSON (Rev. '\ 'HOTI AS) Infidelity ; its Aspects, Causes, and
Agencies, being the prize es?ay of the British organization of the
Evangelical Alliance. Svo.
" It occupies a distinct field from most of the other recent volumes on this sub-
ject, ; for while ihese siate the argument in defence of Christianity, or answer
the principal objections of infidels. Air. Pearson gives us a panoramic view of
infidelily ilseli'. We know not indeed any book which gives so lull And so
accurate a description of ! lie various aspects which jnfidclily, in tiie present
age, has assumed. To ministers of the gospel and to all who are brought into
contact with the prevailing unbelief of the day, this volume will be peculiarly
valuable, while it cannot fail to be deeply interesting lo every thoughtful
Christian. We congratulate the Church on having among its ministers one
so able to do battle for the faith once delivered lo the saints; and we con-
gratulate the author on having produced a book which will win for him a
high place in the estimation of all who love the truth as it is in Jesus." United
Presbyterian Jilaga.itic.
Peep of Day ; or, the Earliest lleligious Instruction the Infant
Mind is capable of reeehing. ISmo. SO cents.
PHILIP (Rev. ROBERT) Devotional Guides ; comprising Guides
to the Perplexed, Devotional, Thoughtful, Doubting, and Con-
scientious, to which is added, Redemption, or, the Ifow Song in
Heaven. 2 vols., 12 mo. 1 50.
"These subjects are treated in a way that will be satisfactory to all serious
minds. The author's style is evidently fitted to the work he has undertaken.
It is simple, pure, terse, intelligible, occasionally highly beautiful and forci-
ble, without affectation, labored effort or heaviness, i should regard the ex-
tensive circulation of these Guides as titled to promote the spirituality of
Christians, to make them acquainted with their own hearts, and with the
power of the religion they profess to love." licv. Albert Barnes.
The Young Man's Closet Library. 12 mo. 15 cents.
The Love of the Spirit, ISmo. 40 cents.
Young Ladies Closet Library. 4 vols., viz. :
MARYS, or, the Beauty of Female Holiness. 40 cents.
MARTHAS, or, the Varieties of Female Piety. 40 cents.
LYDIAS, or, the Development of Female Character. 40 cts.
HANNAHS, or, Maternal Influv-nees on Sons. 40 cents.
"The fine discrimination of character, the sweet spirit, and just views of these
works, we have always very much admired. We deem them among the
most useful works for the reading of Christian females that we know of.
There are but few varieties of woman's trials, fears, duties, and wants, which
do not here (iud sympathy and counsel." Jtctrngelist
FIKB (Rey. J. Gk) True Happiness. ISmo. 30 ceuts.
6V
The Divine Origin of Christianity. 30 cents.
CARTEES' PUBLICATIONS.
K (ROBERT) The Course of. Time. A Poem. Elegant ,
edition. 16mo. Printed on fine paper. With a portrait of the '
autliov. Cloth. 1. Extra gilt, do. 1 50. Turkey morocco. 2.
The Life, Letters, and Remains of Robert Pollok, A.M.
By JAMES SCOTT, D.D. With portrait. 16mo. 1 00,
Tales of the Covenanters. Containing Helen of the Glen ;
The Persecuted Family <vnd Ralph Gemmell. Printed on large
paper, uniform with the above. Illustrated. 16mo. To cents.
Helen of the Glen. Separate. Illustrated. ISmo. 25 cts.
The Persecuted Family, do. do. do. do.
Ralph Gemmell. do. do. do. do.
*PQOLE (MATTHEW) Annotations upon the Holy Bible,
wherein the Sacred Text is inserted, and various readings an-
nexed ; together with the parallel Scriptures. The more difficult
terms are explained ; seeming contradictions reconciled ; doubts
resolved, and the whole text opened. 3 vols. Imperial 8vo.,
printed on fine linen paper In cloth. 10 ; in half calf, $12.
"The late Rev. Richard Cecil suid, ' If we raus-. have cointnenlaiors, as we cer-
i Students,'
'judicious awl full.' The Rev. Thomas Hartwell Home,
in his 'Introduction to the Critical Study of the Hoi} 7 Scriptures,' remarks
'The Annotations are mingled witli the text, and are allowed to be very ju-
dicious; and he who wishes to understand the Scriptures will rarely consult
them without advantage. (This) the imperial 8vo edition, is very beautifully
and correctly printed.' "
PORTEOUS Lectures on Matthew. 12mo. 75 cents.
POWSRSCOURT Letters and Papers of the late THEODOSIA
A. Viscountess POWJSESCOUET. 12mo. 15 cents.
Precept on Precept, by the author of the "Peep of Day." 18 mo.
30 cents.
Psalms in Hebrew. 32mo. Gilt. 50 cents.
PROUDFIT'S Counsels to the Young. Square.
Retrospect (The) or, Review of Providential Mercies, with anec-
dotes of various characters. By ALSQUIS. ISmo. 40 cents.
RICHMOND (LEGH) Annals of the Poor. Containing, the
Dairyman's Daughter ; Negro Servant ; and Young Cottager.
ISmo. 40 cents.
Domestic Portraiture; or, the Successful Application of Re-
ligious Principle in the Education of a Family exemplified in the
Memoirs of three of the deceased Children of Legh Richmond, with
an Introduction by the Rev. Edward Bickersteth. 12mo. 75 cts.
09
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
ROGERS (Mrs. G-. A.) The Folded Lamb ; or, the Memorials
of an Infant Son. Portrait. ISmo. 40 cents.
"A very touching little picture, which honors the gos,>.\ and verifies some of
its sweetest promises." Evangelist.
(G-EORGK ALBERT) Jacob's Well. 18 mo. 40 cents,
ROMAIMS (Rev. W.M.) The Life, Walk, and Triumph of
Faith. 12 mo. 60 cents.
Letters on Important Subjects. 12mo. 60 cents.
ROWLAND (Rev. HENRY A.) The Common Maxims of 'In-
fidelity. 12mo. 75 cents.
RUTHERFORD Letters of the Rev. Samuel Rutherford.
With a Sketch of his Life by the Rev. A. A. BONAR, author of the
" Memoir of McCheyne." Svo. 01 50.
" Rutherford's Letters is one of my classics. Were truth the beam, I have no
doubt, that if Homer, and Virgil, and Horace, and all that the world has
agreed to idolize, were weighed against that book, they would be lighter than
vanity." Cecil.
RYLE3 (Rev. J. C.) Living or Dead ? A Series of Home Truths.
16 mo. 75 cents.
" A deeply practical and earnest address on personal religion, written in a
pointed, taking style, and with a most commendable directness. It graph-
ically paints the lost condition of the soul by nature, and the way of recovery ;
and then pungently addresses arguments to the sinner to flee the wrath to
come." Evangelist.
Wheat or Chaff? A Series of Home Truths. 16mo. 75 cts.
" iMr. Ryle is one of our most searching and earnest practical writers. He writes
like a man who was not only familiar with the throne of grace and the Bible,
but who also lived in close communion with the spirit and writings of such
men as Baxter, and Flavel, and the older Puritans. Hence his words ring like
the sound of a trumpet, and he speaks like a man awake. The present volume
is in the same strain with its excellent predecessor, 'Living or Dead ?' and is
designed more especially for professed Christians." Watchman.
Startling Questions. 16mo. 75 cents.
" Few writers hold a more vigorous pen than the author of this little volume.
The questions are pressed home upon the conscience of the reader, and their
consideration urged, by motives which make their appeal to the noblest feel-
ings of our nature." Gtncsscc Evangelist.
Young Man's Christian Year. 15 cents.
SAPPHIR Letters and Diaries of Philip Sapphir, a Con-
verted Hungarian Israelite. 30 cents.
SCHMEED (C. VON) A Hundred Short Tales for Children. L
Illustrated. Square. 50 cents. y
SCOTT (Taos.) The Force of Truth, an authentic Narrative. A
18rno. 25 cents. /'
^\
30
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Scotia's Bards Comprising the choicest productions of the Scottish.
Poets, accompanied with brief sketches of each. Elegantly il-
lustrated. Clo!.h, $ .Full gilt, 8 . Turkey mor. 8
This work comprises the most exquisite effusions of Thomson, Ramsay, Blair,
Faloner, Beat tie, Ossian, McNeil, Bruce, Logan, Burns, Graham, Scott, Hogg,
Tannahill, Leyden, Knox, Campbell, Cunningham, Pringle, Pollok, Mother-
well, Giliillan. Betlmne, Nicoll, More, Wilson, Mackay, Aytoun, Smith, and
others. The poets of England and America, and even those of Germany,
Italy, and France have been grouped together in many a gracefn' ind fragrant
wreath, while those of Scotland hitherto remain unsathered. Il n.-ts been the
desire of the Editor to give a selection in most cases, complete poems from
each of the best or most noted poets. The selections have been the most co-
pious from the minor poets those least known in this country among them
will be found some of the most exquisite productions of genius. Accompa-
nying the selections there is a brief sketch of each poet.
SCOUGAL The Works of the Rev. Henry Scougal. To-
gether with his Funeral Sermon by Dr. GARDNER, and an ac-
count of his Life and Writings. ISmo. 40 cents.
Scripture Truths. Square. Cloth. 15 cents.
Scripture Promises. Square. Cloth. 15 cents.
Select Christian Authors Comprising Doddridge, "Wilberforce,
Adams, Halyburton, A'Kempis, tfcc., &c. With Introductory Es-
says, by Dr. CHALMERS, and others. 2 vols., 8vo. 2 00.
Select Works of JAMES, VENN, WILSON, PHILIP, and JAF. Eight
complete works in 1 vol., royal 8vo. 1 50.
*Self-explanatory Reference Bible. The Holy Bible of the au-
thorized Version with Marginal Reading, and Original and Se-
lected Parallel References PRINTED AT LENGTH. 8vo. Turkey
morocco, $
importance of Reference Bibles is admitted by all, it cannot be de-
).
nied that their utility is much impaired by the time and labor required in '
turning to numerous passages. To remedy this defect the present edition has
been prepared. Its peculiar object is to set before the reader, at, a glance, the
very words of those passages which are best fitted to illustrate the text, or to
throw satisfactory light on its meaning."
SERLE (AMBROSE) The Christian Remembrancer. 32mo.
Gilt. 50 cents.
SHERWOOD (Mrs.) Clever Stories. Containing " Think before
you Act," " Jack, the Sailor Boy," and " Duty is Safety." 50 cts.
Think before you Act. Separate. 25 cents.
Duty is Safety. Separate. 25 cents.
Jack, the Sailor Boy. Separate. 25 cents.
Short Prayers in Scripture Language. 15 cents.
(The). Square. 15 cents.
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
SIGOURNEY (Mrs. L. H.) Water Drops. Illustrated with eight
line tinted engravings. 16mo. 75 cents.
" We know of nothing more appropriate as a gift book than this useful and en-
tertaining volume." Chn. Secretary.
Letters to my Pupils, with Narrative and Biographical
Sketches. Illustrated with a fine portrait of the authoress, en-
graved expressly for this work by Ritchie. 16mo. 75 cents.
Olive Leaves. Illustrated. 16 mo. 75 cents.
The Faded Hope. 16 mo. 75 cents.
"This is a sweet book of delightful moral and religious tendency. History, bi-
ography, story and poetry are here intermingled in a manner bolh charming
and instructive, making it one of the best of children's gift books." 1/iatjStU.
" We have in this litlle volume a most touching account of the life and dealii
of a highly promising youth, from the pen of his bereaved mother. Every-
thing about the book bespeaks the smitten yet submissive heart. With the
breathings of maternal love, it combines excellent taste, deep pathos, and ex-
alted Christian feeling." Puritan Recorder.
Memoir of Mrs. Harriet N. Cook. 16rao. 75 cents.
"This is a valuable little reminiscence of a devoted Christian lady, who died in
the midst of her hopes, her enjoyments and usefulness. We see the tokens
of Christian refinement, and excellence of character, which adorn tiie fireside,
which filly fill the place of wife and mother, and qualify for usefulness in ever}'
intelligent circle." Clir. Parlor J\Iarrminc.
The Boy's Book. Illustrated. 18mo. 40 cents.
"We recommend the book most earnestly to our young readers, and hope that
every parent who has a bright-eyed, joyous litlle boy, will fry whether his eye
will not grow brighter and his joy deeper, by the possession of such a volume
as 'The .Boy's Book.'" fPatchma/n and Observer.
The Girl's Book. Illustrated. ISmo. 40 cents.
The Child's Book. Illustrated. Square. 35 cents.
"A handsome little volume for the instruction and entertainment of children.
Us pictorial embellishments and its easy lessons will delight them, while im-
parting to their opening minds some of the most salutary counsels." CA. Obs.
SIMEON Memoirs of the Rev. Charles Simeon, M.A., of
King's College, Cambridge. By the Rev. WILLIAM OARUS, M. A.
Portrait. Svo. $2 00.
SINCLAIR (CATHERINE) Modern Accomplishments ; or, the
March of Intellect. 12mo. 75 cents.
"This is a brilliant narrative, written by a clever and popular writer, whose
pen is ever ready for the illustration and enforcement of truth as well as for
the revelalion of error and sin. We entreat those who think that the orna-
mental should take the place of the useful in an education, to read this work,
which cannot but command the attention of even the most desperate lover
of romance." Spectator.
Modern Society, a sequel to Modern Accomplishments.
12 mo. 75 cents. ^
Hill and Valley. 12 mo. 75 cents. *}
Charlie Seymour ; or, the Good and Bad Aunt. 30 cents,
Holiday House. A Series of Tales. 16mo. Illust. 75 cts. -<
^4
** a--
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
Sinner's Friend. From the 87th Edition, completing upwards of
half a million. This work has been printed in sixteen different
languages. 25 cents.
SMITH (Rev. JAMCS) Green Pastures for the Lord's Flock ;
or, the Christian's Daily Remembrancer. From the 38th Lon-
don edition. 12mo. 1 00.
SMYTH (Tnos. D.D.) Solace for Bereaved Parents ; or, In-
fants Die to Live. "With very full Selections from various au-
thors, in Prose and Poetry. 12mo. 75 cents.
Songs in the House of My Pilgrimage. Selected and arranged
by a Lady. 16mo. 75 cents.
" A scriptural text, containing a precious promise and an appropriate selection
of poelry for every day in the year." Recorder.
Sorrowing yet Hejoicing or, Narrative of Successive Bereave-
ments in a Minister's Family. Tenth American edition. ISmo.
30 cents. Also, 32mo. Gilt edge. 30 cents.
SPRING (Rev. GARD., D.D.) Memoirs of the late Hannah L.
Murray, or, a Pastor's Tribute to one of his Flock. 8vo. 1 50.
STEVENSON (Rev. Jonx) Christ on the Cross. An Exposi-
tion of the Twenty second Psalm. 12mo. 75 cents.
The Lord our Shepherd. An Exposition of the Twenty-
third Psalm. 12mo. 60. cents.
" His style is highly animated, his sentiments eminently evangelical and devo-
tional, and there is such a rich vein of spirituality pervading all his pages,
that we read them with permanent profit as well as present pleasure."
Stories on the Lord's Prayer. By the author of " Edward and
Miriam." ISmo. Illustrated. 30 cents.
"These are simple little stories, illustrating the different, parts of pur Lord's
Prayer. They are in good keeping with the subject, which is giving them
great praise." Evangelist.
STUCKLBY (LEWIS, 10-10) The Gospel Glass. Representing
the Miscarriages of Professors; or, a Call from Heaven to Sin-
ners and Saints. 12mo.
SUMNER A Practical Exposition of the Gospels of Mat-
thew and Mark, in the form of Lectures. Designed to assist
the practice of Domestic Instruction and Devotion. 3y JOHN
SUMNER, DD. ; Canterbury. 12mo. 75 cents.
SYMINGTON The Atonement and Intercession of Jesus
Christ. By the Rev. W.M. STMINGTON. 12 mo. 75 cents.
T "This work is the production of one of the most profound theological -Titers
- of Hie day. It takes up the general subject to which it relates, in its various
bearings, and shows that UKJ atonement, properly understood, connects itself
with everything that gives life and value to Christianity."
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
TAYLOR (JEREMY) The Sermons of Jeremy Taylor, D.D.
Complete in one volume. Svo. 1 50.
"This is a massive volume, printed in double-column, and embracing sixly-
four not very brief sermons, from thp pen of one who, although a Lord Bish-
op, we better know under the familiar name of Jeremy Taylor. We should
be very reluctant to endorse Jeremy Taylor's high churchism, with his no
small spice of superstition, or to hold him up as a safe guide in religious mat-
ters ; the reader must make abatement in these respects ; yet, after all, who
cannot relish his oflen fine and affluent thoughts, his no less striking and elo-
quent language, his poetical imagery, and his bright and picturesque painting,
or afford to make up a. theological library without reserving a niche for him ?"
Presbyterian. i
(ISAAC) Loyola ; or, Jesuitism, in its Rudiments, by ISAAC
TAYLOR. 12mo. 1 00.
"In its historic details it is fair, perspicuous, and sufficiently minute ; in iis
reasonings it is luminous, ingenious, and to ourselves at least, generally irre-
sistible." Argus.
Natural History of Enthusiasm. 12mo. 75 cents.
"Every one will remember the 'enthusiasm' of delight with which this work
and those belonging to the same series were greeted on their first issue. It
was the discovery of a new 'pLaccr' of thought ; and although severe lests have
shown that all is not gold that glitters ; and" that some of the brightest surfaces
of splendid thought were very thin, yet they have also shown that there was
genuine bullion there." IVaiclinmn and Observer.
(JANE) Limed Twigs to Catch Young Birds. Square.
50 cents. Beautifully illustrated with colored plates.
Hymns for Infant Minds. Square. Illustrated. 40 cts.
Life and Correspondence. ISmo. 40 cents.
Display, a Tale. 18 mo. 30 cents.
Contributions of Q. Q. Illustrated. 16mo. $1 00.
Original Poems for Infant Minds. 18mo. 40 cents.
Essays in Rhyme. ISmo. 30 cents.
Mother and Daughter. 18mo. 30 cents.
Rhymes for the Nursery, with sixteen colored plates.
TENNENT (Rev. Wir.) Life of. 25 cents.
Theological Sketch Boo^ ; or, Sketches of Sermons. From Sim-
eon's Sketches of Sermons ; Pulpit Assistant ; Benson's Plans ;
Preacher ; Pulpit, etc. 2 vols., 8vo. Cloth, S3 00.
THOLUCK's Circle of Human Life. 30 cents.
Three Months under the Snov/. The Journal of a Young In- >v
habitant of the Jura. Translated from the French. 18mo. 30 cts. y
T*
"The details of this little book, are of a most exciting character, and the spirit A
which it breathes, as well as the lesson which it teaches, is one of Christian /
trust and fortitude." Puritan Recorder.
34
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
TUCKER (Miss E.) The Rainbow in the North. Illustrated.
16mo. 75 cents.
"The emblem of the Rainbow, as applied to the Christian missionary, is pecu-
liarly beautiful. This account of Prince Rupert's Land, and the arrival of the
first missionary, Rev. John West, at Rod River Colony, is exceedingly inter-
esting. He is afterward joined by fellow-laborers in 'the groat work of salva-
tion and amid trials by flood and famine, and many other difficulties and suf-
ferings, they are at length rewarded by winning souls to Christ." Republican.
Abbeokutta; or, Sunrise in the Tropics. 16m". 75 cents.
TURNBULL (Rev. R.) The Genius of Scotland ; or, Sketches
of Scottish Scenery, Literature, and Religion. 12mo. 1 00.
The Pulpit Orators of France and Switzerland. 12 mo.
$1 00.
TURRETINE Institutio Theologies Elenctiee. Authore Fran-
cisco Turretino. 4 vols., Svo. 10 00.
TYNG Lectures on the Law and the Gospel. By STEPHEN
H. TYNG, D.D., Rector of St. George's Church, New York. Sixth
edition. Large type. With a Hue portrait of the author. Svo.
1 50.
The Israel of God. A Series of Discourses. Svo. $1 50.
Christ is All. Svo. 1 50.
Recollections of England. 12mo. 1 00.
Christian Titles. 16mo. 75 cents.
' The design of this book is to exhibit in the most plain and practical way the
various titles which are applied to Christians in the Holy Scriptures^ Each
one is found to be significant of some distinct privilege, or duty, or obligation.
The work is an eminently experimental one, and is fitted to quicken and
brighten all the Christian graces." Puritan Recorder.
A Lamb from the Flock. 25 cents.
Very Little Tales for very Little Children. In large type. Square.
First Series. 35 cents.
Do. do. Second Series. 40 cents.
WARDLAW (Rev RALPH, D.D.) On Miracles. 12;no. 75 cts.
" A more thorough, profound and perfectly conclusive argument in favor of
miracles than this work contains, is, so far as we know, not to be found ; and
one of its chief recommendations is, that it meets most triumphantly some of
the most popular forms of infidelity at the present day. It is a work that will
well repay an attentive perusal." Jlrgus.
WATERBURY (Rev. J. B.) A Book for the Sabbath. 40 cts.
"WATTS (ISAAC) Divine and Moral Songs. Square. Beauti-
fully illustrated with colored plates. 40 cents.
- WAUGH Memoir of the Rev. Alexander Waugh, D.D. 1.
_Week (TheV By the author of the " Commandment with Promise."
Illustrated with eight beautiful engravings. 16 mo.
00
CARTERS' PUBLICATIONS.
>>).
Week Completed. Separate. 25 cents.
WHATELY The Kingdom of Christ Delineated, and The
Errors of Romanism traced to their Origin in Human Nature.
By RICHARD WHATELT, D.D., Archbishop of Dublin. 75 cents.
WHITECRQSS The Assembly's Catechism. Illustrated by
appropriate anecdotes. By JOHN WIIITECHOSS. ISmo. 30 cts.
WHITE (Rev. HUGH) Meditations and Addresses on the Sub-
ject of Prayer. ISmo. 40 cents.
The Believer. A Series of Discourses. ISmo. 40 cents.
Practical Reflections on the Second Advent. 40 cts.
The Complete Works of Henry Kirke White, with an
Account of his Life. By ROBERT SOUTIIEY, LL.D. Si 00.
WILBSRFQRC3 A Practical View of the prevailing Religious
Systems of professed Christians in the Middle and Higher Classes
of Society, contrasted with real Christianity. By WILLIAM WIL-
BKUKoaoK, Esq. Fine edition. Large type. 12:no. $1 00.
WILSON Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life. By JOHN
WILSOX, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of
Edinburgh, Editor of Blaekwood's Magazine, &c. Illustrated
with eight, fine engravings by Howlaud. 16mo. 75 cents.
WILLIAMS Memoir of the Rev. John Williams, Missionary
to Polynesia, by ECEXKZKR. PUOUT. 12mo. 1 00.
WILLISON (JOHN) Sacramental Meditations and Advioes.
1 Smo. 50 cents.
Wine and IVIilk. Square. 25 cents.
WINSR'S Grammar of the Idioms of the Greek Language
of the New Testament. Translated. Svo. 2 50.
"V7INSLOW (OcxAvius) Midnight Harmonies ; or, Thoughts for
t'he Season of Solitude and Sorrow. IGmo. 60 cents.
Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the
Soul. 12 mo. 60 cents.
WOODRUFF (ANNE T.) Shades of Character ; or, the Infant
Pilgrim. 2 vols., 12mo. 1 50.
"WYLIS A Journey over the Region of Fulfilled Prophecy.
/,' By the Rev. J. A. WyLiE. ISmo. SO cents.
*)' YOUNG'S Night Thoughts. Elegant edition. Large type. With
portrait. IGmo. $1 00.
Small ediiion. Close type. ISmo. 40 cents.
86
v
2- 12349
TVNews
OpenLibrary